Non-Pharmacological Methods in Heel Lance

This study was designed to investigate the effects of three different non-pharmacological interventions applied prior to heel lance on the vital parameters and pain levels of newborns. The study population consists of term newborns who meet the inclusion criteria, and the sample includes newborns who present with their parents to a state hospital for heel lance and meet these criteria. Following ethical approval, data will be collected between November 2025 and November 2026. Data collection will be carried out by Özlem Kum, a graduate student actively working in the relevant clinic and responsible for performing the procedures.

Pain will be assessed using the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS), which evaluates procedural pain in both preterm and term newborns. The scale includes five behavioral indicators (facial expression, leg movement, arm movement, crying, and state of arousal) and one physiological indicator (respiratory pattern), with total scores ranging from 0 to 7. A 16-item Information Form containing maternal and neonatal characteristics will also be used. Statistical analyses will be performed using SPSS version 26, including frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation analyses.

Heel lance is one of the most frequently performed invasive procedures in the neonatal period. The pain and stress experienced during this procedure may lead to changes in vital parameters such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation. Therefore, identifying non-pharmacological, safe, and feasible pain management strategies is essential for improving the quality of nursing care.

Non-pharmacological methods such as warm foot bath, ShotBlocker®, and the Buzzy® device are commonly used to reduce procedural pain through different mechanisms, including increased peripheral circulation, mechanical stimulation, vibration, and cold application. However, studies comparing the effects of these methods on newborns' heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and pain levels are limited.

This study will be conducted with approximately 90 clinically stable term newborns (37-42 weeks of gestation) in the Neonatal Unit of Kocaeli City Hospital. Data will be collected at three time points-before, during, and after the procedure-and changes in heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation will be recorded. With parental consent, the procedure will be video-recorded at all stages, and anonymized recordings will be shared with experts for pain assessment.

The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the identification of effective non-pharmacological methods that can be used during painful procedures such as heel lance and to support the development of evidence-based practices in neonatal nursing.

Inclusion criteria

• Newborns with a gestational age of ≥37 weeks
• Newborns in the neonatal period (0-28 days)
• Stable vital signs
• Obtained informed consent from the parents
• No use of analgesics or sedatives within the 24 hours before the procedure
• Absence of any respiratory problems
• First-time heel lance procedure
• No condition that would interfere with pain assessment

Exclusion criteria

• Preterm or low birth weight infants (< 2500 g)
• Infants with congenital anomalies or requiring respiratory support
• Infants receiving sedative or analgesic treatment