The purpose of this study was to test the effects of gentle human touch on mechanically ventilated very-short-gestation infants. A nursing intervention of human touch was designed.
The subjects for the study were 26 mechanically ventilated infants. An intervention group of 13 infants were selected by the following criteria: 27 to 32 weeks gestation, respiratory distress syndrome, and mechanically ventilated within 72 hours after birth. A retrospective control group of 13 infants was selected using the above criteria, and then matched for gestation, race, sex, and birth order of twins.
The intervention group received four 12 minute periods of gentle laying on of hands to their heads and abdomens each day for 10 consecutive days. The intervention was administered by the nurse-investigator.
Physiological and behavioral data were collected and analyzed. The methodology employed for the physiological data was quasi-experimental. The methodology employed for the behavioral data was descriptive. Behavioral data was only available from the intervention group.
Physiological indicators of clinical improvement were identified as dependent variables: weight gain, temperature stability, oxygen requirement, decreased episodes of apnea and bradycardia, stability of laboratory blood studies, advancement to and toleration of oral nutrients, and decreased hospital stay. Comparisons were made over time between the groups. The intervention groups required less oxygen and fewer replacement blood transfusions. Their hematocrits were also higher. There were no significant differences between the groups on the other dependent variables.
Behavioral responses, of the intervention infants during touch periods, were recorded. Three categories of behavior were identified: startle responses, non-startle responses, and fine hand movements. Startle responses decreased dramatically over time. Non-startle responses and fine hand movements also changed over time.
Three conclusions were drawn from the study. First, the infants demonstrated no harmful effects from being touched. Second, human touch may have positively influenced three physiological parameters. Third, human touch may have assisted the infants behavioral organization.