At Kaiser Permanente’s Folsom Ambulatory Surgery Unit, adult and pediatric patients frequently expressed fear and discomfort during preoperative IV placements, often leading to delays and heightened anxiety throughout the care experience.

In response, the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) team identified an opportunity to improve patient comfort and streamline workflow by introducing Pain Ease, a topical analgesic spray. After learning about the evidence-based product at the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses Conference in April 2025, PACU nurse, Janelle McGuckin, BSN, RN, CAPA, advocated for its use at the Folsom facility.

Although Pain Ease was available, it had not been ordered or integrated into standard practice. Barriers included staff unfamiliarity, lack of supply, and no designated storage system.

To address these challenges, the team launched a Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle. Interventions included staff education, collaboration with materials management for ordering and storage, and the creation of an evaluation tool.

Over a 4-week period, 57 patients received Pain Ease prior to IV insertion or nerve blocks. Results showed 89.7% of patients experienced improved satisfaction, with staff noting smoother IV starts and fewer anxiety-related delays. The project enhanced both patient comfort and workflow efficiency. It has since spread to other Kaiser Permanente facilities, demonstrating innovative nursing practice that advances safety, satisfaction, and the overall patient experience.