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Effects of Facilitated Tucking During Routine Care of Infants Born Preterm

2005; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Volume: 17; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1097/01.pep.0000163097.38957.ec

1538-005X

Sharon L. Hill, Sandra Engle, Jeremiah Jorgensen, Ann Kralik, Kari Whitman,

Infant Development and Preterm Care

In Brief Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare stress responses of infants born preterm during routine nursing assessments performed under two conditions. One condition incorporated a second caregiver supporting the infant in a facilitated tucked position, whereas the second condition did not. Methods: A convenience sample of 12 infants born preterm, ages 25 to 34 weeks postconceptual age on the day of testing (mean = 30.9 weeks), were evaluated using the Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP), during the two caregiving conditions. For each trial, the infant received a PIPP score. The level of significance was set at p = 0.05. Results: A significant difference (p = 0.013) existed between the two testing positions as measured by the PIPP. Nine of the 12 infants received a lower PIPP score with facilitated tucking during routine care assessments. Conclusions: By incorporating facilitated tucking during routine care events, the stress level of the infants born preterm may be reduced. When the infants' stress levels are reduced, they may be better able to maintain stability in their autonomic, motor, and state systems. The authors report the positive effects on infants' states of providing facilitated tucking during routine nursing care. The Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) was used to document infants' autonomic, behavioral and facial responses.