More rigorous comforting touch
research is needed with larger, randomized, systematic
methodologic designs to determine its shortand
long-term effects. Specifically, the use of comforting
touch as an intervention to reduce stress and
promote comfort during painful procedures and its
effect on preterm infant brain growth and neurobehavioral
development. Research should not only
focus on infant outcomes but also evaluate the effectiveness
of parent-delivered comforting touch and
the potential impact on parent mental/emotional
health and parent-infant synchrony.