Utilization of local pressure devices in pain management during injections: scoping review

Abstract

Objective: to map scientific evidence regarding the use of local pressure devices in pain relief during injection procedures in patients. Methods: scoping review, following the recommendations of the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis and PRISMA-ScR, with searches conducted in the PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, LILACS, and PsycINFO databases, without temporal restrictions and with a cutoff date of March 2023. Results: a total of 1,514 studies were identified, with 20 articles included in the final sample. The ShotBlocker® device was utilized during subcutaneous and intramuscular injections in children and adults, proving beneficial in reducing pain, anxiety, and fear associated with the procedure. Final considerations: the ShotBlocker® is a low-cost, easy-to-use device that can enhance nursing clinical practice during painful procedures. However, studies involving the Brazilian Pikluc® device are scarce. Further research involving both local pressure devices is recommended.