Effect of Infrared-Assisted Intravenous Catheterization on Patient Comfort and Nurse-Patient Trust in Lung Cancer Patients

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial investigates the effect of Near-Infrared (NIR) vein visualization technology on patient comfort, procedural pain, and nurse-patient trust during peripheral intravenous catheterization in lung cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy frequently experience progressive venous damage, making peripheral intravenous catheterization increasingly difficult. Failed catheterization attempts lead to increased pain, anxiety, reduced treatment adherence, and compromised nurse-patient trust. This study uses an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design (QUAN→qual). In the quantitative phase, 160 patients (80 intervention, 80 control) will be randomized. The intervention group will receive NIR-assisted catheterization, while the control group will receive standard palpation-based catheterization. Primary outcomes include patient comfort, pain levels (VAS), and nurse-patient trust scores. Secondary outcomes include first-attempt success rate, procedure duration, and complication rates. In the qualitative phase, 15-20 patients from the intervention group will be interviewed using a phenomenological approach to explore their experiences with NIR technology. The study is conducted at Ataturk University Research Hospital Chemotherapy Unit in Erzurum, Turkey.