Effects of gentle human touch on preterm infants: pilot study results.
A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the effects of gentle human touch (GHT) provided for 15 minutes a day to preterm infants from day 7 to day 12 of life. The study suggested that GHT has no adverse effects on the oxygen saturation or heart rate levels of small preterm infants and that GHT has a soothing effect as evidenced by decreased levels of active sleep, motor activity, and behavioral distress. These results can provide NICU nurses with a basis for guiding parents in their early interactions with preterm infants in the NICU.
Harrison
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Olivet
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Cunningham
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Bodin
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Hicks
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D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D018730:Infant Behavior; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D017283:Neonatal Nursing; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D010290:Parents; D010865:Pilot Projects; D014110:Touch
D010100:Oxygen