Multisensory nature-based approach to ease venous blood draws in hospitalized children
Official title: Effectiveness of Multisensoral Nature-based Intervention in Hospitalized Children Aged 5 to 9 Years During Venous Blood Sampling: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by University of Oulu · NCT05494684 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This randomized trial tests whether a multisensorial nature-based experience can reduce anxiety, fear, and pain for kids aged 5–9 during blood sampling and improve parent satisfaction compared with usual care.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 5 Years to 9 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 106 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Oulu Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Oulu) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2028 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05494684 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children aged 5–9 with a long-term illness, prior venous blood sampling experience, and fluency in Finnish, and who are cared for at home or in school/daycare settings.
✕Probably not a fit
Children without a long-term illness, those not having prior venous blood sampling experience, or those who do not speak Finnish may not experience benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial compares a multisensorial nature-based intervention to standard care for children aged 5 to 9 who require venous blood sampling in a hospital setting. The intervention uses natural materials and a virtual natural environment to support the child and parent during blood draws. Outcomes include child anxiety, fear, and pain, measured with validated scales, as well as parent anxiety and satisfaction, heart rate, and time spent on the procedure. The study plans to enroll 106 participants (53 per group) and will videotape the blood sampling to aid assessment. Data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical methods to determine the intervention's effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could reduce anxiety, fear, and pain during blood sampling and improve the overall experience for children and their parents.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies of multisensory or nature-based interventions for pediatric procedural distress have shown promise, but results vary and this exact approach is relatively novel in this setting.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. The child is aged between 5 and 9 years old 2. The child has a long-term illness (such as diabetes or rheumatism) 3. The child has previous experience of venous blood sampling 4. The child's level of development is age-appropriate (such as, the child is cared for at home or in day care/day nursery or attends school in the same level as the other children) 5. Child and parent understand and speak the Finnish language Exclusion Criteria: 1. The child has a diagnosis of abnormal neurological development (such as, a child has difficulty understanding spoken language or expressing emotions) 2. The child has chronic pain that has lasted more than 3 months and requires strong painkillers (opiates). 3. The child undergoes an examination or treatment during a check-up at the outpatient clinic that requires medical treatment similar to anesthesia 4. The child is taking a sedative medication.
Where it's running
-
Oulu University
Oulu, Finland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Saija Huhtala — Oulu University
- Study coordinator: Saija Huhtala, MHSc, PhD candidate
- Email: saijahuhtala76@gmail.com
- Phone: +358440807763
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.