The effect of pranic healing based on Rogers' therapeutic touch on cardiorespiratory indices and pain during venipuncture in pediatrics: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Venipuncture is a commonly performed but distressing procedure for children, often leading to significant pain and anxiety. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Pranic Healing, based on Rogers' Therapeutic Touch Nursing Theory, on the cardiorespiratory indices and pain associated with venipuncture in children. METHODS: This double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted on a cohort of 46 school-aged children, selected via convenience sampling, at a hospital in Northern Cyprus. Participants were randomly allocated into the experimental group (n = 23) and the control group (n = 23). The experimental group received Pranic Healing. The Pranic Healing protocol was administered for 5 min before, during, and after venipuncture, while the control group received standard care. Pain levels were assessed using the Wong-Baker Facial Pain Scale, and physiological parameters including heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation were measured at three specific time points. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0, employing independent t-tests, chi-square tests, and repeated measures ANOVA to assess differences between groups, with a significance level set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: The study revealed a significant reduction in pain scores (P < 0.001) and improved cardiorespiratory indices, including heart rate (P = 0.004), respiratory rate (P = 0.001), and oxygen saturation (P = 0.005) in the intervention group compared to the control group. These findings suggest that Pranic Healing is effective in reducing pain and stabilizing physiological responses during venipuncture in children. CONCLUSIONS: Pranic Healing, based on Rogers' Therapeutic Touch Nursing Theory, may serve as an effective, non-invasive method for managing pain and promoting physiological stability during painful medical procedures like venipuncture in children. APPLICATION TO PRACTICE: Pranic Healing could be a valuable addition to pediatric care protocols, particularly for procedures that induce pain and discomfort.