Some people in my hospital are experiencing issues with blood draws, IVs, and lab work with patients that have past drug abuse histories or significant trauma. The needle needed for these procedures causes significant anxiety and sometimes refusal of the procedure. I have some ideas around the subject of how to improve the experience. We want to make these procedures as simple, non-traumatizing, and painless as possible.
I wanted to ask this excellent community what sorts of interventions, programs, advice you may have used to help. So, what has worked? Thank you!
