[Effectiveness of the application of therapeutic touch on weight, complications, and length of hospital stay in preterm newborns attended in a neonatal unit].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effectiveness of therapeutic touch on weight, the presence of postnatal complications, and length of hospital stay in preterm newborns, as well as on parental satisfaction with the care provided.


METHODS
We performed an experimental study in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Virgen Macarena University Hospital in Seville (Spain). Seventy eight premature neonates were randomly assigned to one of the comparison groups (39 in the control group and 39 in the experimental group). The outcome variables of weight, length of hospital stay, the presence of complications, and parental satisfaction were evaluated. Control variables related to maternal socio-demographic and clinic characteristics were also measured. The intervention was based on the application of therapeutic touch.


RESULTS
The mean weight in grams was 1,867.80 (SD=149.72) in the experimental group and 1,860 (SD=181.92) in the control group (t=0.148; p=0.883). Length of hospital stay was 16.82 (SD=6.47) in the experimental group and 20.30 (SD=8.04) in the control group (t=2.100; p=0.039). Complications developed in 5.3% of the premature neonates in the experimental group and in 20% of those in the control group (chi(2)=3.78; p=0.049). The odds ratio for developing complications was 1.673 (CI 1.089-2.571).


CONCLUSIONS
The application of therapeutic touch reduces the length of hospital stay and the presence of complications. Nevertheless, further research in larger samples is required.
Domínguez Rosales
Rosario
R
Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, Sevilla, España.
Albar Marín
M Jesús
MJ
Tena García
Beatriz
B
Ruíz Pérez
M Teresa
MT
Garzón Real
M Josefa
MJ
Rosado Poveda
M Asunción
MA
González Caro
Eva
E
D000328:Adult; D001835:Body Weight; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D019124:Therapeutic Touch