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Amodei N, Nixon E, Zhang S, Hu Y, Vance A, Maye M. Associations between sociodemographic characteristics and neonatal length of the stay. J Perinatol 2024; 44:851-856. [PMID: 38773215 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-024-01976-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infants with past NICU admission have a significantly higher risk of developing neurodevelopmental disorders. Studies have demonstrated an iatrogenic effect of the NICU environment on neurodevelopmental outcomes, even while accounting for physical factors. It is, therefore, critical that an infant's LOS is driven by physical needs versus sociodemographic barriers. METHODS We leveraged electronic health records and a backward selection regression model to explore physical and sociodemographic predictors of infant LOS. RESULTS Our results demonstrated that physical predictors (birthweight and ventilator use) accounted for the majority of variance in our model but that a sociodemographic predictor, mean visits per day, was also significant. CONCLUSIONS Infants who were visited more frequently experienced a shorter LOS, possibly due to increased parental involvement resulting in more individualized care and directly impacting infant stability and morbidity. By supporting visitation, we can reduce the costs of lengthy NICU hospitalizations while improving infant and parent health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Amodei
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Ellen Nixon
- American Hospital Association, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Yong Hu
- Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Ashlee Vance
- Henry Ford Health and Michigan State University Health Sciences (HFH+MSU Health Sciences), Center for Health Policy and Health Services Research, One Ford Place, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Melissa Maye
- Henry Ford Health and Michigan State University Health Sciences (HFH+MSU Health Sciences), Center for Health Policy and Health Services Research, One Ford Place, Detroit, MI, USA.
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Duffy N, Hickey L, Treyvaud K, Delany C. 360-degree phenomenology: A qualitative approach to exploring the infant experience of hospitalisation in neonatal intensive care. Early Hum Dev 2024; 190:105963. [PMID: 38377880 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2024.105963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
This paper describes the development and justification of a qualitative methodology aimed at exploring the infant's personal experience of hospitalisation in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). We begin by briefly reviewing existing methods for documenting and recording infant experiences. These methods focus on the clinical needs of the infant predominantly through quantifiable medical outcome data. Research understanding their experience of receiving clinical care is lacking. By exploring newborn infant behaviour, cues, and communication strategies we assert the infant as a capable participant in neonatal research. We then describe the methodology and methods which we have named 360-degree phenomenology that draws directly from the capabilities and knowledge of the infants themselves. We propose this methodology will address the gap in the literature by enabling a rich and comprehensive overview of the early life experiences of infants hospitalised in NICU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Duffy
- Neonatal Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Neonatal Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medical Education, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Leah Hickey
- Neonatal Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Neonatal Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Karli Treyvaud
- Neonatal Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Psychology and Counselling, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia; Neonatal Services, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Victorian Infant Brain Studies, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Clare Delany
- Department of Medical Education, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Children's Bioethics Centre, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
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Itoshima R, Helenius K, Ahlqvist-Björkroth S, Vahlberg T, Lehtonen L. Close Collaboration with Parents Affects the Length of Stay and Growth in Preterm Infants: A Register-Based Study in Finland. Neonatology 2024; 121:351-358. [PMID: 38354726 DOI: 10.1159/000535517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to evaluate how Close Collaboration with Parents (CC), a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)-wide educational model for healthcare staff to improve their family-centred care practices, affects the length of stay (LOS), growth, and later hospital visits and rehospitalizations of preterm infants. METHODS This register-based study included all preterm infants born below 35 weeks of gestation in Finland from 2006 to 2020. Eligible infants were classified into the Full Close Collaboration (Full-CC) group (n = 2,104) if the NICUs of both the delivery and discharge hospitals had implemented the intervention; into the Partial-CC group (n = 515) if only one of the NICUs had implemented the intervention; and into the control group (n = 11,621) if neither had implemented the intervention. RESULTS The adjusted LOS, the primary outcome, was 1.8 days or 6% shorter in the Full-CC group than in the control group (geometric mean ratio 0.94, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.89-1.00). Growth was better in the Full-CC group compared to the control group: adjusted group difference 11.7 g/week (95% CI, 1.4-22.0) for weight, 1.3 mm/week (95% CI, 0.6-2.0) for length. The Full-CC group infants had lower odds of having any unscheduled outpatient visits compared to the control group (adjusted odds ratio 0.81; 95% CI, 0.67-0.98). No significant differences were found in any other comparisons. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION The unit-wide intervention improving family-centred care practices in NICUs may lead to more efficient use of hospital resources by shortening the LOS, improving growth, and decreasing hospital visits of preterm infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Itoshima
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Division of Neonatology, Nagano Children's Hospital, Azumino, Japan
| | - Kjell Helenius
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Sari Ahlqvist-Björkroth
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Psychology and Language Pathology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Tero Vahlberg
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Liisa Lehtonen
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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Erdei C, Corriveau GC, Inder TE. A unit's experience with hybrid NICU design: description of care model and implications for patients, families, and professionals. J Perinatol 2023; 43:35-39. [PMID: 38086965 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-023-01815-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
As the first extra-uterine setting for hospitalized infants, the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) environment can make a lasting impact on their long-term neurodevelopment. This impact is likely mediated through both specific characteristics of the physical design of the care environment, as well as the experiences that occur within this environment. Recent studies document many established benefits of single-family rooms (SFRs). However, there is concern that infants who spend a prolonged time in SFRs without their parents being intimately involved in their care have reduced opportunities for meaningful experiences, with possible adverse consequences. The purpose of this report is to share an example of an application of the family-centered developmental care model through a hybrid NICU design, inclusive of both SFRs and semi-private bays. In this paper, we empirically describe the physical and operational considerations of a hybrid model, outline the strengths and challenges of this approach, and discuss implications for patients, families, and professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmina Erdei
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Gabriel Cote Corriveau
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Terrie E Inder
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Orange County and University of California Irvine, 1001 Health Sciences Road, Irvine, CA, USA
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Hartzell G, Shaw RJ, Givrad S. Preterm infant mental health in the neonatal intensive care unit: A review of research on NICU parent-infant interactions and maternal sensitivity. Infant Ment Health J 2023; 44:837-856. [PMID: 37815538 DOI: 10.1002/imhj.22086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Caregiving relationships in the postnatal period are critical to an infant's development. Preterm infants and their parents face unique challenges in this regard, with infants experiencing separation from parents, uncomfortable procedures, and increased biologic vulnerability, and parents facing difficulties assuming caregiver roles and increased risk for psychological distress. To better understand the NICU parent-infant relationship, we conducted a review of the literature and identified 52 studies comparing observed maternal, infant, and dyadic interaction behavior in preterm dyads with full-term dyads. Eighteen of 40 studies on maternal behavior found less favorable behavior, including decreased sensitivity and more intrusiveness in mothers of preterm infants, seven studies found the opposite, four studies found mixed results, and 11 studies found no differences. Seventeen of 25 studies on infant behavior found less responsiveness in preterm infants, two studies found the opposite, and the remainder found no difference. Eighteen out of 14 studies on dyad-specific behavior reported less synchrony in preterm dyads and the remainder found no differences. We identify confounding factors that may explain variations in results, present an approach to interpret existing data by framing differences in maternal behavior as potentially adaptive in the context of prematurity, and suggest future areas for exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Hartzell
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Richard J Shaw
- Department of Psychiatry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Soudabeh Givrad
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
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Spence CM, Stuyvenberg CL, Kane AE, Burnsed J, Dusing SC. Parent Experiences in the NICU and Transition to Home. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6050. [PMID: 37297654 PMCID: PMC10252259 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20116050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Families (n = 12) with infants born at <29 weeks gestation shared their experiences while in the NICU and transitioning home. Parents were interviewed 6-8 weeks after NICU discharge, including some during the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings regarding the parent experience in the NICU were focused around challenges navigating parent-infant separation, social isolation, communication difficulties, limited knowledge of preterm infants, mental health challenges. Parents also discussed supports that were present and supports they wished were present, as well as the impact of COVID-19 on their experiences. In the transition to home, primary experiences included the sudden nature of the transition, anxiety around discharge preparation, and the loss of the support from nursing staff. During the first few weeks at home, parents expressed joy and anxiety, particularly around feeding. The COVID-19 pandemic limited emotional, informational, and physical support to parents and resulted in limited mutual support from other parents of infants in the NICU. Parents of preterm infants in the NICU present with multiple stressors, rendering attending to parental mental health crucial. NICU staff need to address logistical barriers and familial priorities impacting communication and parent-infant bonding. Providing multiple opportunities for communication, participating in caretaking activities, and meeting other families can be important sources of support and knowledge for parents of very preterm infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M. Spence
- Department of Counseling and Special Education, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - Corri L. Stuyvenberg
- Rehabilitation Science Graduate Program, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
| | - Audrey E. Kane
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
| | - Jennifer Burnsed
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA;
| | - Stacey C. Dusing
- Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA;
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Kim S, Chae SM. Missed nursing care and its influencing factors among neonatal intensive care unit nurses in South Korea: a descriptive study. CHILD HEALTH NURSING RESEARCH 2022; 28:142-153. [PMID: 35538726 PMCID: PMC9091770 DOI: 10.4094/chnr.2022.28.2.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Preventing missed care is important in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) due to neonates’ vulnerabilities. This study examined missed care and its influencing factors among NICU nurses. Methods Missed care among 120 Korean NICU nurses was measured using a cross-culturally adapted online questionnaire. The frequency of missed care for 32 nursing activities and the significance of 23 reasons for missed care were collected. Results All participants had missed at least 1 activity, missing on average 19.35 activities during a typical work-day. The most common missed item was “provide developmental care for the baby”. The most common reason for missed care was “emergency within the unit or deterioration of one of the assigned patients”. The final regression model explained 9.6% of variance in missed care. The average daily number of assigned patients receiving inotropes or sedation over the last month influenced the total number of missed care items. Conclusion Missed care was affected by nurses’ workload related to the number of patients taking medication. Frequently missed activities, especially those related to developmental care, require patience and time, conflicting with safety prioritization and inadequate working conditions. NICU nurses’ working conditions should be improved to ensure adequate time for nursing activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soohyun Kim
- Registered Nurse, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sun-Mi Chae
- Professor, College of Nursing, The Research Institute of Nursing Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
- Corresponding author Sun-Mi Chae College of Nursing, Seoul National University, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Korea TEL: +82-2-740-8816 FAX: +82-2-766-1852 E-MAIL:
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Pavlek LR, Mueller C, Jebbia MR, Kielt MJ, Nelin LD, Shepherd EG, Reber KM, Fathi O. Perspectives on developing and sustaining a small baby program. Semin Perinatol 2022; 46:151548. [PMID: 34895927 DOI: 10.1016/j.semperi.2021.151548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The Small Baby Program at Nationwide Children's Hospital was launched in 2004 in response to a need for better care for infants born extremely preterm. Standardization of care, decreased variability, multidisciplinary support, and robust research and quality improvement have allowed us to greatly improve our outcomes. In addition to the numerous medical and technological advances during this time, a strong commitment to kangaroo care and family-centered care have been integral to the growth and success of our program. The following review of the program aims to highlight the above areas while detailing the specific processes that have contributed to its ongoing success. Key areas of focus have been on respiratory management, neurodevelopmental care, and nutritional optimization. The implementation and continued refinement of the Small Baby Program has allowed us to improve the survival of extremely preterm infants, decrease certain morbidities, and improve long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leeann R Pavlek
- Small Baby ICU, Division of Neonatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States; Center for Perinatal Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, 575 Children's Crossroad, Columbus, OH 43205, United States.
| | - Clifford Mueller
- Small Baby ICU, Division of Neonatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Maria R Jebbia
- Small Baby ICU, Division of Neonatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Matthew J Kielt
- Small Baby ICU, Division of Neonatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Leif D Nelin
- Small Baby ICU, Division of Neonatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States; Center for Perinatal Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, 575 Children's Crossroad, Columbus, OH 43205, United States
| | - Edward G Shepherd
- Small Baby ICU, Division of Neonatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Kristina M Reber
- Small Baby ICU, Division of Neonatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Omid Fathi
- Small Baby ICU, Division of Neonatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
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Development of a small baby unit to improve outcomes for the extremely premature infant. J Perinatol 2022; 42:157-164. [PMID: 33712714 PMCID: PMC7952830 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-021-00984-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Survival and outcomes for extremely premature (EP) infants have improved and even infants born at 23 and 24 weeks that were previously considered non-viable are now routinely surviving. This review describes our particular institution's basis for and process of creating and sustaining a small baby program for a quaternary, referral-based neonatal intensive care unit. Through multi-disciplinary collaboration, small baby guidelines were developed that established uniform care and optimized evidence-based practice for the care of this unique patient population. A focus on parent-centered care while removing noxious stimuli for the patient has improved neurodevelopmental outcomes. Data collection, quality improvement, and ongoing research are incorporated in the small baby program to establish and sustain best practices and outcomes for the EP patient. Through the establishment of a small baby unit, we have improved survival, decreased short-term morbidities, and improved neurodevelopmental outcomes for the EP infant in our region.
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Individualized Family-Centered Developmental Care: A Model for High-Quality Care. J Perinat Neonatal Nurs 2021; 35:294-297. [PMID: 34726644 DOI: 10.1097/jpn.0000000000000609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Givrad S, Hartzell G, Scala M. Promoting infant mental health in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU): A review of nurturing factors and interventions for NICU infant-parent relationships. Early Hum Dev 2021; 154:105281. [PMID: 33229068 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2020.105281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Premature and medically vulnerable infants experience early and sometimes prolonged separation from their parents, intrusive and unnatural environments, painful and distressing procedures, difficulties with physiological regulation, increased biological and neurological vulnerabilities, and grow up to have higher rates of neurocognitive and psychosocial difficulties. Parents of infants born prematurely or with medical vulnerabilities, in turn, experience significant distress and are a psychiatrically vulnerable population, with very high rates of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. The combination of these factors cause significant challenges for some of these infants and parents in developing an early optimal relationship and connection. Given the critical importance of early relationships with main caregivers for infant mental health and long-term developmental outcomes, we review various targets of intervention to promote healthy infant and parent mental health and bonding thereby facilitating an optimal infant-parent relationship in the NICU population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soudabeh Givrad
- Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 East 68th street, box 140, New York, NY 10065, United States of America.
| | - Georgina Hartzell
- Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 East 68th street, box 140, New York, NY 10065, United States of America.
| | - Melissa Scala
- Stanford University School of Medicine, 750 Welch Rd, Suite 315, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States of America.
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Miller RR, Bedwell S, Laubach LL, Tow J. What Is the Experience of Babywearing a NICU Graduate? Nurs Womens Health 2020; 24:175-184. [PMID: 32389582 DOI: 10.1016/j.nwh.2020.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand the experiences of caregivers using baby carriers to hold their infant after discharge from the NICU. DESIGN The qualitative research design was transcendental phenomenology. SETTING/LOCAL PROBLEM Caregiving of NICU graduates is associated with greater incidence of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder, which can impair caregivers' abilities to form secure attachments with their infants. In addition, lack of paid parental leave, especially among those of low socioeconomic status, can result in prolonged separations between infants and caregivers in the NICU, producing toxic stressors. PARTICIPANTS Eight caregivers ages 21 to 41 years whose infants were discharged from the NICU of a regional referral academic medical center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Homogenous convenience sampling was used by posting recruitment flyers in common areas of the NICU frequented by family members. INTERVENTION/MEASUREMENTS Participants were educated before discharge on using baby carriers that held their infants in kangaroo position. They were asked to carry their infant in the carrier for 3 hours a day for the 2-month study period. RESULTS Six total themes were identified; four were previously identified in kangaroo care and skin-to-skin care research: Decreased Stress and Anxiety, Calmness and Sleep, Attachment, and Parental Empowerment; two were independent to this study: Ease of Work and Self-Care. CONCLUSION The themes identified indicate that babywearing has the potential to address harms-such as stress, fear, depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder-that may be experienced by caregivers of infants discharged from the NICU. Babywearing can be used as an intervention to support caregivers and promote positive health outcomes after a NICU discharge.
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McGowan EC, Vohr BR. Impact of Nonmedical Factors on Neurobehavior and Language Outcomes of Preterm Infants. Neoreviews 2019; 20:e372-e384. [PMID: 31261104 DOI: 10.1542/neo.20-7-e372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Preterm infants are at increased risk for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. The impact of maternal, NICU, and social environmental factors on early neurobehavior and language outcomes of preterm infants is recognized. There is a need for health care professionals to have a clear understanding of the importance of facilitating positive mother-infant relationships, and to address not only the infant's sensory and language environment, but also focus on adverse maternal mental health and social adversities to optimize infant outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth C McGowan
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, and Department of Pediatrics, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI
| | - Betty R Vohr
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, and Department of Pediatrics, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI
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