Effect of Touch Methods in Preterm Infants During Endotracheal Aspiration

The Effect of Yakson and Gentle Touch Method on Pain, Comfort and Physiological Parameters in Preterm Infants During Endotracheal Aspiration

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of gentle human touch (GHT) and Yakson methods during endotracheal suctioning on pain, comfort and physiologic parameters response in preterm infants.

Background: Preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit are exposed to various painful procedures, so different non-pharmacological pain control techniques are used to alleviate pain.

Aims: To determine the effect of gentle human touch (GHT) and Yakson methods during endotracheal suctioning on pain, comfort and physiologic parameters response in preterm infants.

Design: A randomized controlled crossover trial. Setting: This study was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit between July 2022 and June 2023.

Methods: Thirty neonates were enrolled in this study based on inclusion criteria. The samples were randomly received a sequence of suctioning with Yakson and GHT and routine care. Neonatal Pain Agitation and Sedation Scale and COMFORT neo were used to collect the data.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Infants in the 26-36/6 gestational week and at appropriate gestational age (AGA)
• Infants undergoing ventilator support with an endotracheal tube

Exclusion Criteria:

• Infants taking opiates and sedatives within four hours, having undergone a painful procedure at least one hour before
• Infants congenital anomalies, sepsis or haemorrhagic disease that might prevent Yakson and GHT
• Infants who underwent surgery and had a chest tube
• Infants with intracranial hemorrhage