Effectiveness of ShotBlocker for Pain in Adult Needle-Related Procedures: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Pain Manag Nurs. 2026 Sep 14:S1524-9042(26)00267-5. doi: 10.1016/j.pmn.2026.08.006. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of ShotBlocker use on pain levels during needle-related procedures in adults.

DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES: Studies were searched in the PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Higher Education Council (YÖK) Thesis Center databases without any year restrictions.

REVIEW/ANALYSIS METHODS: The search and study selection were conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, and 18 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. Data extraction and methodological quality assessment were performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools. Findings were evaluated using meta-analysis and narrative synthesis methods.

RESULTS: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, ShotBlocker was found to be effective in reducing pain levels in adults (SMD = -1,011; 95% CI: -1.390 to -0.631; Z = -5,221; p < .001; I² = 91.4%). However, substantial heterogeneity was observed among the included studies (I² = 91.4%).

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that ShotBlocker may be an effective nonpharmacological method for reducing pain levels during needle-related procedures in adults. However, the results should be interpreted with caution because of the substantial heterogeneity among the included studies.

PMID:42736089 | DOI:10.1016/j.pmn.2026.08.006