ABSTRACT

Hospitalized neonates experience discomfort during suctioning procedure in intensive care unit. This study aimed to identify the effect of four-handed method in suctioning procedure on the neonates’ comfort whom hospitalized in an intensive care unit. This study design was quasi-experimental using purposive sampling technique to choose 20 preterm low birth weight neonates. Controls (N=10) received routine technique while the intervention group (N=10) received four-handed suctioning technique. Data analysis was conducted using independent T test. The result showed that the implementation of the four-handed suctioning increases the comfort level of the neonates during suctioning. This was proved from the stability of the oxygen saturation as well as the increasing score of well-being. The oxygen saturation was significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group (p=0.038) while well-being score was higher in the intervention group (p=0.001). No significant differences were found on neonatal heart rate. Four-handed suctioning techniques can be used as an independent nursing intervention and a procedure remains at suctioned the baby in the hospital.