The effect of Yakson and Gentle Human Touch methods on pain and physiological parameters in preterm infants during heel lancing

Abstract

BackgroundVarious non-pharmacologic methods are used to alleviate pain in preterm infants who spend their first days in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) because they are exposed to numerous painful interventions. ObjectiveTo determine the effects of Yakson and Gentle Human Touch (GHT) methods on pain and physiologic parameters during heel lancing procedures in preterm infants. Design and methodsThis was a randomised controlled trial. The study was conducted in a NICU between June 2018 and June 2019. A total of 90 preterm infants were divided into three groups: 30 infants in the Yakson group, 30 infants in the GHT group, and 30 infants in the control group. All preterm infants were randomly divided into groups. Pain responses were evaluated using the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale. ResultsIt was found that pain scores and heart rates were significantly lower during and after heel lancing in preterm infants in the Yakson and GHT groups than in the control group, the difference was statistically significant (p < .001). Practical implicationsYakson and GHT applied to preterm infants during heel lancing has positive effects on pain and physiologic parameters.