Premature infants frequently experience painful procedures during their admission to neonatal intensive care units; this can lead to acute adverse events, imbalances, and long-term neurodevelopmental implications. This randomized controlled trial evaluates the impact of Gentle Human Touch (GHT) and rate change (eye mask and earplug) on pain and comfort during heel prick blood collection in premature infants (32-36+6 weeks gestational age). A total of 60 infants were randomly assigned to three groups: GHT, rate change, and standard care (pacifier). Pain was assessed using the Premature Infant Pain Profile-Revised (PIPP-R), and comfort was measured before, during, and after the procedure using the COMFORTneo operator. Physiological impact (heart rate, oxygen saturation) and propagation time were recorded. The findings provide evidence for safe and effective non-pharmacological interventions in pain management and their inclusion in developmental care protocols.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
kubranurkabakci@gmail.com
Gentle human touch (GHT) will be applied 3-5 minutes before, during, and after the heel prick blood test.
Eye mask and earmuffs will be applied 3-5 minutes before, during, and after the heel prick blood test.
Finger feeding will be provided before, during, and after the procedure, according to the unit routine.
The Comparison of Gentle Human Touch's Effect by Mother and Nurse on Pain Level During Heel Blood Sampling in Preterm Infants
Facilitated Tucking Position, Gentle Human Touch Practices and Pain
The Effect of Gentle Human Touch in Preterm Infants During Heel Lancing
''The Effect of Skin-to-Skin Contact and Gentle Touch Method Applied During Blood Collection on Early Detection of Pain and Physiological Parameters''
Effect of Three Different Sensory Interventions on Pain Level During Heel Blood Collection in Term Infant
Effect of Mother's Touch and Nurse's Therapeutic Touch on Pain Level and Crying Time During Heel Blood Collection
The Effect of Multisensory Stimulation on Baby's Pain and Mother's Anxiety During Heel Blood Collection
The Effect of Mother's Gentle Human Touch Method on Preterm Pain and Mother's Anxiety Level During Venipuncture