Storytelling Intervention Relieved Pain During Tracheostomy Suction in Children Under Palliative Care: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Background: Aspiration causes pain in children receiving palliative care. This study evaluated the effectiveness of storytelling and cartoon watching in reducing pain during aspiration procedures in palliative care for children aged 1–3 years. Methods: Using a single-center, within-subjects crossover design (n = 15), each child experienced three conditions: control, storytelling, and cartoon watching. Pain (FLACC scale) and physiological parameters were measured before, during, and after aspiration. Results: Both interventions significantly reduced pain and improved physiological indicators compared to control. Storytelling had the most pronounced effect. Conclusions: These findings support the use of age-appropriate, non-pharmacological methods to manage procedural pain in paediatric palliative care settings.