Physiological evaluation of premature infants in traditional and humanized weighing: a quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Objective: To describe and compare the physiological signs presented by premature infants in traditional and humanized weighing. Method: A quasi-experimental crossover study, with a sample of 30 premature infants randomly assigned and allocated to the control group (traditional) and the intervention group (humanized), from March 2019 to March 2020, with the collection of general data, vital signs before and after the procedures. Statistical analyses included description of relative and absolute frequencies, measure of central tendency and dispersion. Results: Premature infants showed less increase in heart rate (53.3%) and respiratory rate (43%) in the verification of humanized weighing than in the traditional way, with 83.3% of neonates and 80%, respectively. Conclusion: It was observed that the humanized form provided less physiological instability, especially in heart and respiratory rates, making it necessary to encourage discussions about the humanization of care and perform this practice routinely in health units.