The Effect of Gentle Human Touch and Stimulus Reduction on Pain and Comfort During Heel Blood Collection in Premature Newborns

Before starting the procedure, the nurse performing the intervention will wear a clean gown and wash both hands and forearms with an antimicrobial agent for 3 minutes. The nurse's hand temperature will be measured with a digital thermometer prior to the intervention to ensure it is at an appropriate level. If the temperature is not suitable, both hands will be warmed under a radiant warmer until they reach 33-33.2 °C, and the intervention will begin once this temperature is achieved. During the intervention, the nurse will place the fingertips of one hand on the infant's eyebrow line with the palm resting on the top of the head, while the other hand will be positioned on the lower abdomen covering the waist and hips, maintaining this position for 15 minutes.

Infants assigned to the environmental modification group will receive an eye mask and neonatal earmuffs (Minimuffs) to reduce exposure to light and noise. The eye mask is a soft, adjustable, and disposable phototherapy band designed to block external light stimuli. The earmuffs are oval-shaped, foam-based neonatal ear protectors with hydrogel adhesive, designed to reduce noise levels by more than 50% and ensure safe single use. Both interventions will be applied 3-5 minutes before, during, and for 3-5 minutes after venous blood sampling, for a total of approximately 15 minutes. Standard care with a pacifier will also be provided according to unit practice.