Human Interaction in the NICU and its Association with Outcomes on the Brief Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (BITSEA) 3
- Researchers tracked the quantity and type of human interaction for the first 30 days of life
- Subjects: 50 preterm infants with a mean GA of 25 weeks
- Results:
- During the first 30 days of life, infants experienced isolation 80% of the time
- Majority of human interaction was completed by nursing
- More human interaction was associated with higher social competence and lower dysregulation at 2 years of age
Painful, medical, or procedural touch is overwhelmingly the majority of the touch infants receive in the NICU. Couple this with the significant amount of time they spend in isolation and its no surprise babies born preterm are at risk for a myriad of social, cognitive, motor and developmental issues. The mission of the Neonatal Touch & Massage Certification (NTMC) is to have 95% of touch in the NICU be intentionally comforting. Through NTMC, or any of Creative Therapy Consultants Educational Programs, we strive to change the lives and outcomes of the babies and families you serve. Learn more about CTC Infant-Driven Education Here.