A Five Year Clinical Perspective from Solihull Hospital
Ruth Fielding: Ward Manager, Haematology and Oncology Day Unit
Solihull Hospital – University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust

Introduction
Difficult Intravenous Access (DIVA) remains one of the most persistent challenges in haematology and oncology care. Repeated cannulation attempts can lead to patient distress, increased staff pressure, treatment delays, and reduced clinical efficiency. For over five years, Ruth Fielding has utilised Airglove®, an air-based warming system designed to improve peripheral blood flow, promote vein dilation, and reduce anxiety in patients with challenging venous access.

Her experience began at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, with Airglove V1, followed by adoption at Solihull Hospital where Airglove V2 is now embedded into routine care.

Background: Challenges in Traditional Practice
The Solihull Haematology and Oncology Day Unit manages a complex patient population including long-term chemotherapy patients, individuals with fragile veins, and those requiring frequent venepuncture. Traditional warming methods such as heat pads, wheat packs and warm water immersion presented challenges including lack of temperature control, infection risks, workflow inefficiencies and patient discomfort.

“We can struggle and do struggle with patients’ IV access… with Airglove, we are not having to have numerous attempts!”

Introducing Airglove
Airglove was initially trialled at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and quickly became part of routine practice due to its safety, ease of use and patient comfort.

At Solihull, the unit treats around 80 patients daily, with over 30 – 50% requiring assisted cannulation.

“You’re much more likely in difficult patients to cannulate first time if you warm up the arm with Airglove.”

“With heat pads you are only doing a section of the arm… with Airglove you are warming the whole arm, so veins come up that you would not have considered.”

Evaluation Process
Airglove was introduced following evaluation based on prior success. The unit operates within a 45-minute treatment window, making efficient cannulation critical.

Patients undergoing long-term treatments benefit from reduced repeated attempts, preserving veins and improving experience.

“You don’t want to be attempting to get a needle in numerous times as this creates more anxiety for the patient.”

Key Findings
1. Improved first-time cannulation success
2. Enhanced patient comfort and reduced anxiety
3. Improved clinical flow and reduced delays
4. Reduced staff workload and missed attempts
5. Improved infection control and cost efficiency

“By warming the arm up, it increases your chances of getting the cannula in first attempt.”

Training and Adoption
Ruth initially received training from the Airglove educators for Airglove V1 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham. Structured training supported adoption, including correct glove application, positioning and warming cycles.

Airglove V2 was introduced in February 2026 with enhanced usability while maintaining a plug-and-play design.

“Airglove make the process easier for nurses, especially nurses that are new to the department and still honing their cannulation skills. Using Airglove helps reduce anxiety for the patients”.

Psychological Impact on Patients and Nurses
Past experiences with failed cannulation and development of needle phobia can cause tension and anxiety in patients during current and subsequent visits. Patients report reduced anxiety and often request Airglove due to prior positive experiences.

“Patients come in and say… they used the Airglove last time to warm my arm up.”

Staff benefit from increased confidence and reduced procedural stress.

“Airglove brings up the veins… making them easier to feel and therefore making it a better patient experience.”

Recommendations
Airglove is recommended for oncology, haematology, elderly care wards and any setting with frequent DIVA patients.

“There is definitely a space for it on every ward.”

Conclusion
This five-year clinical perspective demonstrates that Airglove improves cannulation success, reduces anxiety, enhances patient experience and supports clinical efficiency.

“It makes it a quicker process… warming the arm improves first-time success, therefore making it a more positive patient experience.”

“Too many attempts delay treatment… Airglove prevents all of that.”