BACKGROUND: In Turkey, paediatric emergency departments often lack the specialised environments required for invasive procedures on neonates. Given their developmental vulnerability, it is crucial to use interventions that reduce discomfort and support physiological stability. This study introduces the portable therapeutic baby nest (PTBN), designed to provide developmentally supportive care aligned with the principles of the Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program.
METHODS: This two-phase study included 80 term neonates (40 per group). First, the PTBN was developed from February to April 2022. Second, its effectiveness was evaluated through a randomized controlled trial conducted from May to September 2022. The experimental group underwent venous blood sampling in the PTBN, and the control group on a standard stretcher. All procedures were video-recorded and assessed by two blinded nurses using the Physiological Parameter Monitoring Form, COMFORTneo and Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS).
RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar across groups (p>0.05). During and after sampling, the PTBN group had significantly lower heart and respiratory rates, higher oxygen saturation and lower NIPS and COMFORTneo scores compared with controls (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION: The PTBN improved physiological stability, comfort and pain outcomes during venous sampling in neonates.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05442619.
| Discipline Area | Score |
|---|---|
| Physician |  |
Physician rater
If expanded this could be useful but currently a very limited audience.
Physician rater
Useful information because most paediatric emergency centres are crowded and noisy, so quite hostile to neonates as swaddling and non-nutritive suckling is often impossible. A relatively inexpensive portable solution can help make neonates more comfortable and reduce their pain/discomfort.
Physician rater
This is a promising study but the design and number of cases are not adequate to generate the conclusion.
Physician rater
Is wrapping a baby with a blanket and keeping them is a quiet room any different?
, McMaster University