In 2014-15, the RCH Medical Imaging department was the first public hospital in Australia to utilise new Coolsense Pain Numbing technology to improve the experience for patients and families.
Many children are deeply fearful of needles and intravenous (IV) cannulas, but each year the RCH medical imaging department must perform more than 4,400 IV cannulations to administer tracers, contrast media, or medications to improve image quality.
The Coolsense Pain Numbing Applicator is a new device originally developed and used for cosmetic procedures. Coolsense is a hand-held pain numbing device that acts upon application, without chemicals, to cool and numb the site of injection. Post application, it takes only five to ten seconds to work. The injection can then be administered immediately. With an operating temperature of minus two to minus six degrees Celsius, Coolsense is more effective than ice. It is simpler and quicker to use than topical analgesic creams, and has no side effects like rashes, welts or vascular constriction.
“The Medical Imaging team began trialling Coolsense in June 2014, and has now performed over 5000 cannulations using the device. During the trial overwhelming positive feedback has been received from patients who reported radically reduced sensations of pain with IV insertion,” Senior Medical Imaging Technologist Glenn Cahoon said.
“The primary outcome was the pain rating for patients, with the majority of children rating their pain as less than three out of ten,” Mr Cahoon explained. “Staff have reported greater flexibility in selecting appropriate veins resulting in increased first attempt success, with fewer procedures requiring escalation to more invasive procedures. Staff also reported benefits including reduced waiting time for patients; more effective numbing of the IV site; and reduced operating costs.”
Patients and carers consistently report a preference to use Coolsense for future cannulations.
“Most importantly the team has produced a better experience for RCH patients and families by reducing pain associated with treatment, which is vital in preventing future issues related to needle placement,” Deputy Director of Anaesthesia and Pain Management Philip Ragg added.
Read more in the 2014/15 Quality of Care Report.
5 comments for “No pain, greater gain: Coolsense Pain Numbing Applicator”
Cathy
Sounds great – can we get this to work in rural community hospitals and clinics?? Cost? Availability ? Active ingredient
Tanya
Could this be used in the blood collection area also? My daughter prefers this to the numbing creams which she reacts too and it would make it far easier to take blood if it were available there also.
William
I can’t see why not. The only reason it might not be used is cost.
How does your daughter react to the numbing creams. There are two such creams commonly available. They both can cause a little redness, but mostly are well tolerated.
walshh
Hi Tanya, it is hoped that the success of the trial in Medical Imaging and Anaesthesia will lead to greater access to the devices throughout the hospital. Thank you.
Sharon
Hi has this been trialled in Cerebral Palsy Botulin Toxin clinics? I can see how this would be very effective. How do I find out about costs etc so I can arrange a trial?