Multisensory stimulation by mothers: impact on neonatal pain and maternal anxiety during heel blood collection: a...

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of maternal multisensory stimulation on neonatal pain and maternal state anxiety during heel blood collection in neonates.

A randomized controlled trial was conducted from July 2019 to January 2020 in neonatal units, with 80 newborns in intervention(n = 40) and control (n = 40) groups. In the intervention group, mothers provided multisensory stimulation (speech, touch, skin odor, breastfeeding, eye contact), while the control group received routine care. Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) and maternal state anxiety inventory were evaluated.

NIPS scores and maternal anxiety were significantly lower in the intervention group (p < 0.001). A positive correlation was found between NIPS and maternal anxiety in the intervention group (r = 0.372, p = 0.018).

Maternal multisensory stimulation reduces neonatal pain and maternal anxiety. These findings emphasize the importance of pediatric nurses considering neonatal comfort and maternal emotional well-being during medical procedures.

The protocol for this randomized controlled experimental trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. The clinical trial registration number is https://clinicaltrials.gov ; NCT05606458.