The effect of two different interventions on emotional appearance, pain, and fear during respiratory panel sampling in children: A randomized controlled trial.
J Pediatr NursJun 25, 2026 (epub)
Ozge Karakaya Suzan, Nebiye Gül, Ayşe Eroglu
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of two nonpharmacological interventions—a palm stimulator and a stress ball—on pain, fear, and emotional appearance during respiratory panel swab collection in 109 children aged 6-12 years. The palm stimulator group reported significantly lower pain and fear scores compared to both the stress ball and control groups, indicating its effectiveness in reducing distress during the procedure.
Key findings
- Children using the palm stimulator had significantly lower pain scores compared to the stress ball and control groups.
- Fear scores were also significantly lower in the palm stimulator group than in the other groups.
- Emotional appearance scores improved significantly in the palm stimulator group post-procedure.
- Marked increases in emotional distress were observed in the stress ball and control groups over time.
Why it matters
Understanding effective nonpharmacological interventions for managing pain and fear in pediatric patients can enhance the quality of care during procedures, potentially improving overall patient experience and outcomes.