Gentle Touch and Sensory Changes to Ease Heel Pricks in Preterm Babies

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized trial assigns 60 preterm infants (32 to 36+6 weeks gestational age) to one of three groups: Gentle Human Touch, environmental modification with eye mask and earplugs, or standard care using a pacifier. Pain is measured with the Premature Infant Pain Profile-Revised (PIPP-R) and comfort with the COMFORTneo during and after the heel prick, while also recording heart rate and oxygen saturation. The goal is to determine if non-pharmacological approaches can safely lessen procedural pain and improve comfort, potentially informing neonatal developmental care protocols. The study is conducted at Etlik City Hospital in Ankara and led by Kubra Nur Kabakcı Sarıdağ.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Preterm infants with a gestational age between 32 and 36+6 weeks
* Written informed consent obtained from parents

Exclusion Criteria:

* Infants with serious medical conditions that may affect study parameters
* Infants receiving intensive invasive treatments (e.g., opioid or sedative medication)

Where it's running

• Etlik City Hospital
  Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Kubra Nur N KABAKCI SARIDAĞ, RN, MSc
• Email: kubranurkabakci@gmail.com
• Phone: +905079149033

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.