Pulsatile audible-tactile stimulation (PATS) for premature infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units to reduce stress and pain levels and improve weight gain

In Peru, 10% of all births are preterm. Preterm babies are subject to repetitive, invasive procedures in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), causing pain and stress that are associated with neurobehavioural and developmental issues. While tactile stimulation in the form of massage therapy has shown to reduce stress and have positive effects on growth and development of preterm infants, it can be difficult to provide for babies in incubators. Using an inexpensive mattress that provides a pulsatile audible-tactile stimulation (PATS) to preterm infants while they are in incubators in the hospital will improve weight gain and reduce stress and pain levels. The device will be low-cost, non-invasive and durable, with a low energy requirement. Local businesses and insurance companies will be engaged to promote the use of this product in various NICUs throughout Peru. This project is funded under a collaborative agreement between CONCYTEC (Peru’s National Council for Science, Technology and Technological Innovation) and Grand Challenges Canada (funded by the Government of Canada) to support Stars in Global Health innovators based in Peru.