Effect of tactile stimulation on the level of consciousness and vital signs of patients with traumatic brain injury: a quasi- experimental study.

Introduction: Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are subjected to multiple stressors, including environmental changes, medical treatment, and surgical procedures. Hospitalization in an unfamiliar setting, especially when separated from family members, can increase anxiety and stress, which may adversely influence vital signs and levels of consciousness. Tactile stimulation, when integrated with routine medical management, may contribute to improving patient outcomes. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effect of tactile stimulation on the level of consciousness and vital signs among patients with traumatic brain injury. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in the neurosurgery wards and intensive care units of a tertiary care hospital. A total of 40 patients with mild (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score 13-15) and moderate (GCS score 9-12) traumatic brain injury were selected using a consecutive sampling technique and equally allocated into experimental and control group (n = 20 each). The experimental group received tactile stimulation in addition to conservative care daily at 8 a.m., 12 pm, and 4 p.m. for three consecutive days, with each session lasting 15-20 minutes. The control group received only conservative care. Data were collected using a sociodemographic and clinical profile, a vital sign monitoring sheet, and the Glasgow Coma Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, Friedman test, and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Both groups were comparable at baseline, with no statistically significant differences in socio-demographic and most clinical variables. The majority of patients had a GCS score of 9-12 at admission, and road traffic accidents were the predominant cause of injury. A statistically significant difference was observed only in the type of brain injury (p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were found between the groups in vital signs or GCS scores across day 1, day 2, and day 3 following the intervention, indicating similar clinical outcomes. Conclusion: The findings indicate that no statistically significant differences were observed between experimental and control groups, indicating that the intervention had no significant effect on the measured clinical outcomes. The limited duration of intervention may have constrained its effectiveness.