Initially the titles of each article were reviewed and
abstracts were selected. Abstracts were then evaluated
and selected on the basis of their relevance to
the aim of this review; specifically touch therapy
studies including hospitalized very preterm infants
that reported infant outcomes (as opposed to parent
outcomes). A number of articles were excluded after
an initial review of titles and abstracts. Of the
remaining 225 abstracts reviewed, 78 articles were
chosen to evaluate for use. The reference lists of the
articles were also considered as a mechanism for
increasing the depth and breadth of the discussion.
After initial review of the articles, detailed exclusion
criteria were established to meet the aim of this
review (Table 1).