Critical Care Nursing Commons^™

Nurses’ Perspectives On Neonatal Massage Therapy In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Kayla R. Hanson

Senior Honors Theses

Research in neonatal massage therapy has shown many possible benefits to the baby and family. Though there has been a growing trend towards family-centered care, along with a substantial and growing body of research, the practice of neonatal massage therapy is not routine in most NICUs. This study was conducted to evaluate neonatal intensive care nurses’ perspectives and attitudes towards neonatal massage therapy before and after evidence-based education. Willingness to discuss benefits of neonatal massage therapy significantly increased after education on neonatal massage therapy. The findings suggest that with proper training on the techniques and safety monitoring of massage therapy, …