title: Effects of gentle human touch on preterm infants: pilot study results.
abstract: 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.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Harrison
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Olivet
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Cunningham
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Bodin
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hicks
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D010100:Oxygen