How to Deal With Needle Phobic Patients

Let’s face it: Most patients are afraid of needles, and some even develop a form of needle phobia as a result.

Treating these patients can be challenging, but there are ways to minimize their discomfort. Below are some tips for health practitioners on how to deal with patients who have a phobia of needles.

8 Practical Ways to Deal With Needle Phobic Patients

1. Establish Rapport with the Patient in Advance

Take time to build rapport with your needle-phobic patient by talking about more pleasant topics such as hobbies or family life.

This will help create a sense of trust and improve communication between you and the patient.

2. Provide Anticipatory Guidance to the Patient in Advance of Treatment

Discuss what to expect during treatment — for example, how often the patient will receive injections, how long each injection session will last, how many injections will be given, and what type of medicine will be administered.

This ensures that the patient isn’t caught off guard when it comes time for treatment. It also helps set realistic expectations regarding how painful or uncomfortable each injection might be.

3. Speak to Them First

When you are about to perform a painful procedure, it is best not to spring it on them. Instead, speak to them ahead of time to let them know what they can expect.

This way, they will not be as stressed out.

Even if you have already explained this before the procedure began, explain it again. It may help calm them down if they hear the explanation one more time or if they missed some of the first explanation because they were so nervous.

4. Hold their hand

Some people are more comfortable when they are holding the hand of someone else. Offer yours and see if they take it. If they don’t, don’t push it, just let it go and wait until the next step to offer your hand again.

5. Use Distraction Techniques

Give them something that will engage their mind for a little while during the procedure that requires their attention for them to focus on it instead of their fear about the needle that is about to penetrate their skin.

A TV or music station can distract them from what is happening around them. Better still, a pair of glasses with a mirror will do the trick.

6. Use a Flashlight

Keychain flashlights can be a lifesaver when dealing with needle-phobic patients. In that regard, you want to have one on you at all times, just in case!

When giving an injection, have a mirror and flashlight handy so that you can check under the skin for a good injection site.

Use a white-light flashlight (not a traditional one) because it will make blood vessels easier to see, which makes it easier to find a good spot to inject.

7. Explain What you are Going to Do

If the patient starts to get nervous about the injection, tell them what you are doing every step of the way — “I’m going to pull back the plunger on this syringe here” or “I’m going to wipe the area now.”

This will keep them informed and feeling like they’re not being surprised.

8. Do it at Night

Try to administer medications at bedtime rather than during daytime hours whenever possible.

This may make it easier for patients to relax and fall asleep easily without worrying about waking up during sleep and being reminded of your presence in their room and another needle stick!

9. Be Patient and Kind

If you’re treating a needle-phobic patient, be extra patient with them and don’t rush them through their appointment.

These patients likely have other issues related to their fear that make it difficult for them to tolerate something as simple as a shot, so try to be understanding and calm.

10. Don’t Force the Issue

Don’t even attempt to hold down a patient who doesn’t want injections or blood work. The situation can become unsafe for both the patient and yourself if you force someone who is already in distress.

Instead, wait for them to calm down and try again while reassuring them that everything will be fine.