A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Helfer Skin Tap Technique on Pain Reduction among First year BSc Nursing Students receiving IM injection on Hepatitis B vaccination in Selected College of Nursing, Trivandrum District

Abstract

Pain management during the administration of invasive procedures, particularly intramuscular injections, is crucial for ensuring patient comfort and compliance. In this study, the focus was on evaluating the pain experienced by nursing students during the administration of Hepatitis B vaccinations and establishing effective strategies for pain management among BSc Nursing students. The results highlighted a significant association between a history of medical conditions and the level of pain experienced, underscoring the importance of considering individual health backgrounds in pain management protocols. However, no significant associations were found with demographic factors such as age, gender, or lifestyle variables like regular exercise, medication history, coping mechanisms, or body mass index. In both the control and experimental groups, the majority of students reported experiencing mild pain, emphasizing the prevalence of discomfort during the vaccination process. Additionally, subjective assessments using the Verbal Descriptor Scale and the Wong Baker Facial Grimace scale indicated that most students perceived their pain as mild and described it as "Hurts Little Bit. "The study also validated the effectiveness of the Helfer Skin Tap Technique in reducing pain during intramuscular injections. Post- implementation assessments revealed a statistically significant decrease in pain levels, particularly in the experimental group, where reported pain levels shifted from mild to none post-technique application. Furthermore, while a correlation was established between pain levels and a history of medical conditions, no significant associations were found with other socio-clinical variables, suggesting the need for personalized pain management approaches. Overall, the study underscores the importance of incorporating physical intervention techniques, such as the Helfer Skin Tap Technique, into clinical practice to effectively alleviate pain during invasive procedures among nursing students, ultimately enhancing patient care and satisfaction.