Download Available for download on Monday, April 10, 2028

Download Full Text (541 KB)

Description

Therapeutic touch, including infant massage, is a key intervention occupational therapists (OTs) use to support premature infants' physiological and psychological development. This capstone project explores how OTs incorporate therapeutic touch into their interventions for infants currently or recently discharged from the NICU and how they perceive its effectiveness. Through surveys of 20 participants, including NICU and outpatient OTs and caregivers, the study found that OTs strongly recognize the benefits of therapeutic touch, citing improved infant well-being and emotional regulation. However, results also revealed inconsistencies in caregiver education, engagement, and access to resources, which may limit the consistent application of these techniques. Despite a small sample size and reliance on self-reported data, the study highlights the importance of standardized education and clinical support for therapists and caregivers. An educational booklet was developed to address these gaps and promote more effective integration of therapeutic touch into neonatal care practices.

Publication Date

Spring 4-11-2025

Publisher

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Keywords

Infant, Occupational therapists, Intensive care units, Neonatal, Therapeutic, Touch, NICU, Newborn, Tactile, Stimulation

Medical Subject Headings

Infant, Occupational therapists, Intensive care units, Neonatal, Therapeutic, Touch, NICU, Newborn, Tactile, Stimulation

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences | Occupational Therapy | Rehabilitation and Therapy

Comments

Poster presented at the in-person OTD Capstone Symposium, held at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences April 11, 2025.

Occupational Therapists' Perceived Benefits of Tactile-Based Interventions for Current and Former NICU Infants

Share

COinS