In comparison with reading standard textbooks, watching a brief JITT instructional video before splinting yielded faster learning times combined with more successful procedural skills. The use of a JITT instructional video may have potential applications, including globally, as an alternative resource for teaching and disseminating procedural skills, such as SA volar splinting.

OBJECTIVES Intravenous catheter placement is one of the most common sources of pain for children in inpatient settings. We sought to compare the efficacy of two cryotherapeutic treatments for this procedure: vapocoolant spray versus topical ice-pack. METHODS We prospectively enrolled 95 patients, age 9–18 years, in a pediatric emergency department who required IV catheters as part of their treatment. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive vapocoolant spray, or topical ice-pack for three minutes, prior to IV catheter placement. Subjects completed visual analog scale (VAS) scores for three time points: baseline, pre-treatment with ice or spray, and IV insertion. The principal investigator, and two physicians viewing video recordings of the procedure, also completed VAS scores for observed pain levels. VAS scores were compared using the Wilcoxon Rank Sum test. RESULTS Although median VAS scores were similar, the change in VAS from baseline was of greater magnitude in the Painease® group, indicating that it may be more effective. More subjects in the Painease® group (76%) felt their treatment worked well, compared to 49% in the ice group. Physician-assigned VAS scores were lower and less variable than those of subjects. Most IV insertions were successful (83%). CONCLUSIONS Vapocoolant spray may be more effective than ice as an analgesic for IV insertion. Subjects were more satisfied with vapocoolant spray. Neither agent caused a decrease in successful IV insertion rates.

Contrary to established recommendations for the management of moderately dehydrated children, significantly more PT physicians, compared with non-PT physicians, follow established guidelines.