The effect of hands tactile stimulation on level of consciousness in comatose patients hospitalized in intensive care units

Introduction: Disturbance in the state of consciousness of patients hospitalized in intensive care units are common. Hands tactile stimulation can influence the level of consciousness in comatose patients. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of hands tactile stimulation on level of consciousness in comatose patients hospitalized in intensive care unitsMethods: This clinical trial study was conducted on 60 comatose patients who were hospitalized in the intensive care units of Shohada Tajrish Hospital in Tehran in 2019. The subjects were assigned in two groups of experimental and control, by using randomize blocked allocation. In experimental group, palms, fingers and wrists of patients were touched for 10 minutes twice a day for three days (morning and evening). The level of consciousness was recorded using Glasgow Coma Scale. The level of consciousness was recorded from the 1st to 3th day of admission (before, immediately, 30 min after intervention). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and analyzed using SPSS- v 20. Results: According to the results, hands tactile stimulation significantly increased level of consciousness in the experimental group each therapeutic session (P<0.05). Moreover, Multivariate analysis revealed a significant difference between experimental and control groups in level of consciousness at all-time points (P<0.05). Conclusions: The hands tactile stimulation could increase the level of consciousness in comatose patients. it should be recommended for increasing level of consciousness in comatose patients., if it is administered frequently for long term.

The effect of hands tactile stimulation on level of consciousness in comatose patients hospitalized in intensive care units Keywords:

level of consciousness , coma , intensive care unit , tactile stimulation , touch