Effects of Facilitated Tucking, Swaddling, and Prone Positioning During Endotracheal Suctioning on Pain, Comfort, and Physiologic Parameters in Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Study

BACKGROUND: Pain can also cause problems in preterm infants. Pain management in preterm infants supports neurodevelopment. PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the effects of facilitated tucking (FT), swaddling, and prone positioning during endotracheal suctioning (ES) on pain, comfort, and physiological parameters in preterm infants. METHODS: This randomized controlled study included 4 cohort groups. This was a single-blind study. This study was conducted between August 2022 and February 2023 in the neonatal intensive care unit of a gynecology and pediatric hospital. The study sample comprised 100 preterm infants. Pain was measured using the Premature Infant Pain Profile-Revised, and comfort was measured using the Newborn Comfort Behavior Scale. RESULTS: Facilitated tucking and swaddling were found to be more effective in terms of pain and comfort assessments during and after ES. There was no difference between the groups in terms of average heart rate. Average oxygen saturation was higher in the swaddling group during ES and in the prone position group after ES. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: The most beneficial practices for reducing pain, increasing comfort, and providing physiological stability in preterm infants during ES have been scientifically revealed to be FT and swaddling.