Lauren R. Stepneski
Abstract: Trifocal Approach to Providing Developmental Care for Preemies
The tactile sensory modality is the most mature of the senses and inappropriate use or overuse of tactile stimulation can have detrimental short-and long-term effects on preterms. A trifocal approach used PubMed to identify pertinent articles that addressed how to provide developmentally appropriate tactile care by focusing on research-supported forms of therapeutic touch of preterms as an intervention and using knowledge of the nurse-parent and the parent-child relationships to facilitate care that is conducive to child development and also assists in parental attachment. Findings from the articles suggest that an individualized care plan taking the child's current health status and outcomes into consideration is the best approach to choosing a therapeutic regimen involving touch. The involvement of parents in providing therapeutic touch under supervision of the nurse can facilitate developmentally appropriate care as well as encourage parental bonding.
