Effect Of Gentle Human Touch On Physiological And Behavioral Indicators Of Neonates Undergoing Endotracheal Suctioning

Abstract

Background: Gentle Human Touch (GHT) is a simple non-pharmacological intervention that may reduce procedural pain and improve neonatal outcomes during endotracheal suctioning. Aim: To evaluate the effect of Gentle Human Touch on physiological and behavioral indicators of neonates undergoing endotracheal suctioning. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 60 neonates admitted to the NICU at Assiut University Children’s Hospital. Neonates were equally assigned to a Gentle Human Touch group (n = 30) and a Control group (n = 30). Data were collected using a Personal Characteristics and Medical History Assessment Sheet and a Physiological and Behavioral Indicators Sheet, including physiological measures and the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS). Assessments were performed before, during, and after endotracheal suctioning. Results: No significant differences were found between groups regarding baseline characteristics(P>0.05) Compared with the Control group, neonates receiving Gentle Human Touch had significantly lower heart rates and higher Oxygen saturation levels during and after suctioning (P<0.05) Significant improvements were observed in facial expression, crying, breathing pattern, and state of arousal (P<0.05) NIPS scores were significantly lower in the Gentle Human Touch group(P = 0.001). Significant negative correlations were identified between NIPS scores and oxygen saturation. Conclusion: Gentle Human Touch effectively reduced pain and improved physiological and behavioral responses among neonates undergoing endotracheal suctioning. Recommendations: Gentle Human Touch should be incorporated into routine NICU care during painful procedures, and nurses should receive training on its application.