Sensory Saturation (3T) for Pain Management During ROP Screening in Preterm Infants Born Between 32 to 36 Weeks of Gestational Age

Objective This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the 3T sensory saturation method—taste, auditory, and tactile stimulation—in reducing pain and enhancing comfort in preterm infants undergoing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening, compared with conventional pacifier use. Methods A total of 100 preterm infants (gestational age 32–36 weeks) were prospectively enrolled and randomly assigned using computer‐generated random numbers into a 3T group ( n = 52) or control group ( n = 48). The 3T group received oral glucose, maternal voice recording, and gentle massage before and during screening, while the control group received pacifiers. Pain and comfort were evaluated using the neonatal infant pain scale and preterm infant comfort scale, alongside measurements of heart rate and oxygen saturation. Outcome assessors were blinded to group allocation. Results Infants in the 3T group showed significantly higher oxygen saturation and lower pain scores during screening compared with controls ( p < 0.0001). Comfort scale scores were also significantly better in the 3T group across multiple domains, including vigilance, calmness, respiratory status, physical activity, muscle tone, and mean heart rate. Multivariate linear regression identified pre‐examination vigilance, physical activity, muscle tone, facial expression, and mean heart rate as significant predictors of comfort during screening. Firth penalized logistic regression confirmed these findings with clinically reasonable odds ratios. The predictive model demonstrated strong discrimination (AUC = 0.994). Conclusion The 3T sensory saturation method is an effective, safe, and practical nonpharmacological intervention for reducing pain and improving comfort during ROP screening in preterm infants born between 32 and 36 weeks of gestational age. These findings may not be directly generalizable to extremely preterm infants (< 32 weeks), who represent a distinct and more vulnerable population commonly included in ROP screening programs in many countries. Its adoption in clinical practice could enhance procedural tolerance and overall care for this vulnerable population. Trial Registration: Chinese Registry of Clinical Trials: ChiCTR2500110779