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Razdan S, Hedli LC, Sigurdson K, Profit J, Morton CH. Disparity drivers, potential solutions, and the role of a health equity dashboard in the neonatal intensive care unit: a qualitative study. J Perinatol 2024; 44:659-664. [PMID: 38155228 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-023-01856-5] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Racial/ethnic disparities are well-described in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). We explored expert opinion on their etiology, potential solutions, and the ability of health equity dashboards to meaningfully capture NICU disparities. STUDY DESIGN We conducted 12 qualitative semi-structured interviews, purposively selecting a diverse group of neonatal experts. We used grounded theory to develop codes, shape interviews, and conduct analysis. RESULT We identified three sources of disparity: interpersonal bias, care process and institutional barriers, and social determinants of health, particularly as they affect parental engagement in the NICU. Proposed solutions included racial/cultural concordance, bolstering hospital-based resources, and policy interventions. Health equity dashboards were viewed as useful but limited, because clinical metrics do not account for many of the aforementioned sources of disparities. CONCLUSION Equity dashboards serve as a motivational starting point for quality improvement; future iterations may require novel, qualitative data sources to identify underlying etiologies of NICU disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Razdan
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Laura C Hedli
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Krista Sigurdson
- School of Journalism, Writing, and Media, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Jochen Profit
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Christine H Morton
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Franco F, Chifa M, Politimou N. Home Musical Activities Boost Premature Infants' Language Development. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:542. [PMID: 38790537 PMCID: PMC11120229 DOI: 10.3390/children11050542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Infants born prematurely are considered at risk for language development delay and impairments. Using online parental reports, the present study investigated the influence of early musical experience in the home environment (Music@Home Infant Questionnaire) on language development (MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventory) while controlling for general enrichment at home (Stim-Q Cognitive Home Environment Questionnaire) and perinatal post-traumatic stress disorder (Perinatal PTSD Questionnaire). Caregivers of 117 infants between 8 and 18 months of age (corrected age) without reported developmental difficulties completed an online survey. Results revealed that the musical home environment significantly predicted outcomes in reported infants' receptive vocabulary and gestural communication, independently from infants' corrected age and general enrichment of home activities. These findings constitute the first evidence that an enriched musical experience can enhance the development of early communication skills in a population at risk for language delays, namely infants born prematurely, opening the path for future intervention research in home and/or early childcare settings. Given that the majority of participants in this study were highly educated and from socioeconomically stable backgrounds, considerations regarding the generalizability of these results are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabia Franco
- Psychology Department, Faculty of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, London NW4 4BT, UK;
| | - Maria Chifa
- Psychology Department, Faculty of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, London NW4 4BT, UK;
| | - Nina Politimou
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, IOE Faculty of Education and Society, University College London, London WC1H 0AA, UK
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Kumar K, Marchman VA, Morales MC, Scala M, Travis KE. Investigating Relations between the NICU Speech Environment and Weight Gain in Infants Born Very Preterm. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:e1390-e1396. [PMID: 36720260 PMCID: PMC10500032 DOI: 10.1055/a-2023-8813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Children born preterm, especially those born very preterm (<32 weeks of gestational age [GA]) are at risk for poor growth and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Adverse growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm children have been attributed, in part, to the aversive sounds and relative speech paucity of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Experimental studies that directly expose preterm infants to speech sounds in the NICU find significant improvements in health factors relevant to neurodevelopment. Few studies have examined whether natural variations in the speech environment of the NICU are related to short-term health outcomes in preterm infants. Such data are important for optimizing the sound environment of the NICU. Our objective was to examine relations between the NICU speech environment and the rate of weight gain during hospitalization. STUDY DESIGN Participants were infants born very preterm (n = 20). The speech environment of each infant was assessed at 32 to 36 weeks of postmenstrual age using an automatic speech-counting device. Average rates of weight gain (g/kg/d) were ascertained over the same period. Calories were derived from charted intake (kcals/kg/d). Linear regressions examined caloric intake and speech counts as predictors of infant weight gain. RESULTS Infant weight gain was significantly predicted by caloric intake and speech exposure, each uniquely accounting for approximately 27% variance (total R 2 = 60.2%; p < 0.001). Speech counts were uncorrelated with rates of family visitation, time in incubator, or health acuity. CONCLUSION While future research should establish causality and direction of effects, enhancing speech exposure in the NICU may be beneficial for physical growth. NICU care plans should consider opportunities to increase speech exposure. KEY POINTS · Preterm infants who experienced greater amounts of speech in the NICU gained significantly more weight than preterm infants who were exposed to lower amounts of speech during the same developmental period (32-36 weeks of postmenstrual age).. · Caloric intake and speech counts accounted for almost 60% of variance in infant weight gain between 32 and 36 weeks of postmenstrual age.. · Speech counts were not significantly correlated with family visitation, how long infants resided in incubators, or health acuity.. · Findings suggest that the NICU speech environment may play an important role in the physical health of preterm infants; however, more studies are needed to determine the directionality of the observed associations..
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Kumar
- Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Virginia A Marchman
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
- Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Maya C Morales
- Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Melissa Scala
- Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Katherine E Travis
- Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
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Byrne EM, Hunt K, Scala M. Introducing the i-Rainbow©: An Evidence-Based, Parent-Friendly Care Pathway Designed for Critically Ill Infants in the NICU Setting. Pediatr Phys Ther 2024; 36:266-273. [PMID: 38568275 DOI: 10.1097/pep.0000000000001094] [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] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study investigated the feasibility and effectiveness of a novel, evidence-based developmental care pathway to be used by health care providers and parents in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) setting. The i-Rainbow is based on current evidence and responds to individual infant health status. It is not based on infant age. METHODS After development and implementation of the i-Rainbow, pre- and postimplementation nurse and parent survey data were collected and pre- and post-developmental care rates were compared. RESULTS After i-Rainbow implementation, disagreement among providers on appropriate developmental care interventions significantly decreased, total minutes of daily developmental care and swaddled holding increased significantly, and parents reported that they would recommend the tool. CONCLUSION The i-Rainbow is a unique, parent-friendly, infant-based tool that guides sensory interventions in the NICU by staging infants based on cardiorespiratory status and physiologic maturity, not age. The i-Rainbow improved the delivery of developmental care activities in our unit and was well received by parents and nurses. VIDEO ABSTRACT Supplemental Digital Content available at: http://links.lww.com/PPT/A516.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eilish M Byrne
- University of Saint Augustine for Health Sciences (Dr Byrne), San Marcos, California; Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford (Ms Hunt), Palo Alto, California; Stanford University School of Medicine (Dr Scala), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
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Malin KJ, Vittner D, Darilek U, McGlothen-Bell K, Crawford A, Koerner R, Pados BF, Cartagena D, McGrath JM, Vance AJ. Application of the Adverse Childhood Experiences Framework to the NICU. Adv Neonatal Care 2024; 24:4-13. [PMID: 38061194 DOI: 10.1097/anc.0000000000001122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infants and families requiring neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) care often experience significant stress and trauma during the earliest period of the infant's life, leading to increased risks for poorer infant and family outcomes. There is a need for frameworks to guide clinical care and research that account for the complex interactions of generational stress, pain, toxic stress, parental separation, and lifelong health and developmental outcomes for infants and families. PURPOSE Apply the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) framework in the context of the NICU as a usable structure to guide clinical practice and research focused on infant neurodevelopment outcomes and parental attachment. METHODS An overview of ACEs is provided along with a detailed discussion of risk at each level of the ACEs pyramid in the context of the NICU. Supportive and protective factors to help mitigate the risk of the ACEs in the NICU are detailed. RESULTS NICU hospitalization may be considered the first ACE, or potentially an additional ACE, resulting in an increased risk for poorer health outcomes. The promotion of safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and implementation of trauma-informed care and individualized developmental care potentially counter the negative impacts of stress in the NICU. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH Nurses can help balance the negative and positive stimulation of the NICU through activities such as facilitated tucking, skin-to-skin care, mother's milk, and active participation of parents in infant care. Future research can consider using the ACEs framework to explain cumulative risk for adverse health and well-being in the context of NICU care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn J Malin
- College of Nursing, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Dr Malin); Children's Wisconsin, Milwaukee (Dr Malin); Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies, Fairfield University, Fairfield, Connecticut (Dr Vittner); Department of Pediatrics (Dr Darilek) and School of Nursing (Drs McGlothen-Bell, Crawford, and McGrath), The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio; University of Florida, Gainesville (Dr Koerner); Infant Feeding Care, Wellesley, Massachusetts (Dr Pados); School of Nursing, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia (Dr Cartagena); and Center for Health Policy and Health Services Research, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan (Dr Vance)
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Razdan S, Hedli L, Sigurdson K, Profit J, Morton C. Disparities and Equity Dashboards in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Qualitative Study of Expert Perspectives. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3002217. [PMID: 37461712 PMCID: PMC10350244 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3002217/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Objective Racial/ethnic disparities are well-described in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). We explore expert opinion on their root causes, potential solutions, and the ability of health equity dashboards to meaningfully address NICU disparities. Study Design We conducted 12 qualitative semi-structured interviews, purposively selecting a diverse group of neonatal experts. We used grounded theory to develop codes, shape interviews, and conduct analysis. Result Participants identified three sources of disparity: interpersonal bias, care process barriers, and social determinants of health, particularly as they affect parental engagement in the NICU. Proposed solutions included racial/cultural concordance, bolstering hospital-based resources, and policy interventions. Health equity dashboards were viewed as useful but limited because clinical metrics do not account for many of the aforementioned sources of disparities. Conclusion Equity dashboards serve as a motivational starting point for quality improvement; future iterations may require novel, qualitative data sources to identify underlying etiologies of NICU disparities.
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7
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Effect of maternal voice on proportion of oral feeding in preterm infants. J Perinatol 2023; 43:68-73. [PMID: 35982244 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-022-01493-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the impact of maternal voice exposure on oral feeding in preterm infants. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, unblinded, 2-center intervention study of infants born 28 0/7-34 6/7 weeks gestation. Infants were exposed twice daily to maternal voice for 20 min before attempting oral feeding. Feedings were divided into groups consisting of Baseline, Intervention, and Follow-up feeds. The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05181020). RESULT 29/37 (78%) mother-infant dyads consented for the study. 25 infants with 2051 feedings were included. Compared to the preceding Baseline, Intervention feeds were associated with an adjusted 7.1 percentage-point increase in oral intake (p = 0.036) and in post-hoc analysis a 71% increased likelihood of having the highest feeding readiness score (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION Exposure to maternal voice prior to enteral feeding is feasible and was associated with significantly improved oral feeding proportions in preterm infants. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05181020).
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NeoConnect: The Design, Implementation, and Impact of a Virtual Family-Centered NICU Program. J Perinat Neonatal Nurs 2023; 37:61-67. [PMID: 36707750 DOI: 10.1097/jpn.0000000000000698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Familial involvement in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) reduces parental stress and strengthens parental-infant bonding. However, parents often face barriers to in-person visitation. The coronavirus disease-2019 COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated limitations to parental bedside presence. OBJECTIVE To design, implement, and evaluate a technology-based program to connect NICU babies with their families during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We created NeoConnect at our level IV NICU, which included parental audio recordings and video chats between parents and their babies. Parental and NICU staff input on NeoConnect was gathered via preimplementation surveys. Inaugural families and staff members completed a postparticipation survey. RESULTS Prior to implementation, all parents who were surveyed (n = 24) wished they could be more involved in their baby's care. In the first 3 months of NeoConnect, 48 families participated in the audio recording project and 14 families participated in the video chat initiative. Following implementation, 85% of surveyed staff (28/33) reported that the patients became calmer when listening to their parents' recorded voice and 100% of surveyed parents (6/6) reported that video chats reduced their stress level. CONCLUSION Harnessing technology as a tool to increase parental involvement in the NICU is feasible and beneficial for NICU patients and their families.
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Boissel L, Guilé JM, Viaux-Savelon S, Mariana C, Corde P, Wallois F, Benarous X. A narrative review of the effect of parent-child shared reading in preterm infants. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:860391. [PMID: 36172394 PMCID: PMC9510730 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.860391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The benefits of book-reading interventions on language development in full-term infants have been well investigated. Because children born preterm face a greater risk of cognitive, language and emotional impairments, this narrative review examines the theoretical evidence, empirical findings, and practical challenges for introducing such intervention to this population. The effect of shared book interventions on typically developing infants is mediated by three components: a linguistic aspect (i.e., exposure to enriched linguistic input), an interactive aspect (i.e., eliciting more synchronous and contingent communication), and a parental aspect (i.e., reducing parental stress and increasing sense of control). Parental shared book reading in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) was found to be feasible and well accepted. It provides concrete support for positive parenting in a highly stressful context. Preliminary evidence supports a positive effect of shared reading sessions in physiological parameters of preterm infants in NICU. One study showed that parental shared book reading in an NICU is associated with lower decline in language development during the first 24 months compared to a historical control group. Findings from a community-based birth cohort confirm the positive effect of this intervention on cognitive development with a 2-year-follow up. More structured clinical trials are now needed to confirm these preliminary findings. Questions remain about possible moderators of these interventions, in particular cultural features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure Boissel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, Amiens University Hospital, Amiens, France.,INSERM Unit U1105 Research Group for Analysis of the Multimodal Cerebral Function, University of Picardy Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Jean-Marc Guilé
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, Amiens University Hospital, Amiens, France.,INSERM Unit U1105 Research Group for Analysis of the Multimodal Cerebral Function, University of Picardy Jules Verne, Amiens, France.,Pôle de psychiatrie de l'enfant et de l'adolescent, Etablissement Publique de Santé Mentale de la Somme, Amiens, France
| | - Sylvie Viaux-Savelon
- Hospices civils de Lyon, Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Charlotte Mariana
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, Amiens University Hospital, Amiens, France
| | - Pascal Corde
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, Amiens University Hospital, Amiens, France
| | - Fabrice Wallois
- INSERM Unit U1105 Research Group for Analysis of the Multimodal Cerebral Function, University of Picardy Jules Verne, Amiens, France.,Department of Pediatric Neurophysiology, Amiens University Hospital, Amiens, France
| | - Xavier Benarous
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, Amiens University Hospital, Amiens, France.,INSERM Unit U1105 Research Group for Analysis of the Multimodal Cerebral Function, University of Picardy Jules Verne, Amiens, France
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10
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Analysis of the Effect of Intensive Care Based on Lean Nursing Intervention. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING 2021; 2021:7805124. [PMID: 34630996 PMCID: PMC8494574 DOI: 10.1155/2021/7805124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
In order to improve the effect of intensive care, this paper proposes a lean nursing intervention method and evaluates the lean nursing intervention through a controlled experiment. According to the actual situation of intensive care, this paper starts with the research from several aspects of patients' ICU nursing time, patients' satisfaction, patients' pathological knowledge familiarity, patients' autonomous nursing, and enthusiasm of patients and their families. Moreover, this paper collects and displays experimental results through mathematical statistics, gives patients lean management concepts and methods based on routine care, and finds that it has good management effects. Thus, lean management concepts and methods can effectively improve the anxiety state of critically ill patients, improve the patient's knowledge of disease, and reduce adverse nursing events to improve patient nursing satisfaction, which is worthy of further promotion in the clinic.
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Brignoni-Pérez E, Morales MC, Marchman VA, Scala M, Feldman HM, Yeom K, Travis KE. Listening to Mom in the NICU: effects of increased maternal speech exposure on language outcomes and white matter development in infants born very preterm. Trials 2021; 22:444. [PMID: 34256820 PMCID: PMC8276502 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05385-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infants born very preterm (< 32 weeks gestational age (GA)) are at risk for developmental language delays. Poor language outcomes in children born preterm have been linked to neurobiological factors, including impaired development of the brain's structural connectivity (white matter), and environmental factors, including decreased exposure to maternal speech in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Interventions that enhance preterm infants' exposure to maternal speech show promise as potential strategies for improving short-term health outcomes. Intervention studies have yet to establish whether increased exposure to maternal speech in the NICU offers benefits beyond the newborn period for brain and language outcomes. METHODS This randomized controlled trial assesses the long-term effects of increased maternal speech exposure on structural connectivity at 12 months of age (age adjusted for prematurity (AA)) and language outcomes between 12 and 18 months of age AA. Study participants (N = 42) will include infants born very preterm (24-31 weeks 6/7 days GA). Newborns are randomly assigned to the treatment (n = 21) or standard medical care (n = 21) group. Treatment consists of increased maternal speech exposure, accomplished by playing audio recordings of each baby's own mother reading a children's book via an iPod placed in their crib/incubator. Infants in the control group have the identical iPod setup but are not played recordings. The primary outcome will be measures of expressive and receptive language skills, obtained from a parent questionnaire collected at 12-18 months AA. The secondary outcome will be measures of white matter development, including the mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy derived from diffusion magnetic resonance imaging scans performed at around 36 weeks postmenstrual age during the infants' routine brain imaging session before hospital discharge and 12 months AA. DISCUSSION The proposed study is expected to establish the potential impact of increased maternal speech exposure on long-term language outcomes and white matter development in infants born very preterm. If successful, the findings of this study may help to guide NICU clinical practice for promoting language and brain development. This clinical trial has the potential to advance theoretical understanding of how early language exposure directly changes brain structure for later language learning. TRIAL REGISTRATION NIH Clinical Trials (ClinicalTrials.gov) NCT04193579 . Retrospectively registered on 10 December 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith Brignoni-Pérez
- Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Maya Chan Morales
- Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Melissa Scala
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Heidi M Feldman
- Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kristen Yeom
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Katherine E Travis
- Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Jain VG, Kessler C, Lacina L, Szumlas GA, Crosh C, Hutton JS, Needlman R, Dewitt TG. Encouraging Parental Reading for High-Risk Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Infants. J Pediatr 2021; 232:95-102. [PMID: 33453203 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether a citywide structured book-sharing program (NICU Bookworms) designed to promote reading to infants while admitted in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) would increase parental reading behaviors (≥3-4 days/week) in the NICU and after discharge home, including high-risk parents who do not themselves enjoy reading. STUDY DESIGN The NICU Bookworms program comprised staff training, parent education, and building a literacy-rich environment. In this quasi-experimental intervention study, parents of medically high-risk NICU graduates <6 months of age were administered a questionnaire at their first NICU follow-up clinic visit. The survey incorporated questions from the StimQ-I READ subscale to assess home reading environment and shared reading practices. RESULTS A total of 317 infants were enrolled, 187 in an unexposed comparison group and 130 in the intervention group. Parents exposed to Bookworms were significantly more likely to read ≥3-4 days per week while in the NICU (34.5% vs 51.5%; P = .002; aOR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.2-4.0), but reading at home did not differ (67.9% vs 73.1%; P = .28; aOR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.5-1.8). However, among parents who did not themselves enjoy reading, frequency was significantly higher both in the NICU (18.4% vs 46.1%; P = .009; aOR, 5.0; 95% CI, 1.2-21.5) and at home (36.9% vs 70%; P = .003; aOR, 3.7; 95% CI, 1.1-12.9). A qualitative thematic analysis found that Bookworms decreased parental stress, enhanced bonding, and supported positive parent-infant interactions. CONCLUSIONS A book-sharing intervention in the NICU increased parent-reported reading aloud during hospitalization and among parents disinclined to read for pleasure, both in the NICU and following discharge. This change may have been mediated by enhancement of parent-infant interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viral G Jain
- Perinatal Institute, Division of Neonatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; Division of Neonatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL.
| | - Christy Kessler
- Perinatal Institute, Division of Neonatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Linda Lacina
- Perinatal Institute, Division of Neonatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Greg A Szumlas
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH; Division of General Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Clare Crosh
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH; Division of General Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - John S Hutton
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH; Reading & Literacy Discovery Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; Division of General Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Robert Needlman
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH
| | - Thomas G Dewitt
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH; Reading & Literacy Discovery Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; Division of General Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
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13
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Vitale FM, Chirico G, Lentini C. Sensory Stimulation in the NICU Environment: Devices, Systems, and Procedures to Protect and Stimulate Premature Babies. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8050334. [PMID: 33923031 PMCID: PMC8146433 DOI: 10.3390/children8050334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Prematurity deprives infants of the prenatal sensory stimulation essential to their correct development; in addition, the stressful environment of the NICU impacts negatively on their growth. The purpose of this review was to investigate the effects of NICU noise pollution on preterm infants and parents. We focused on the systems and projects used to control and modulate sounds, as well as on those special devices and innovative systems used to deliver maternal sounds and vibrations to this population. The results showed beneficial effects on the preterm infants in different areas such as physiological, autonomic, and neurobehavioral development. Although most of these studies highlight positive reactions, there is also a general acknowledgement of the current limits: small and heterogeneous groups, lack of structured variable measurements, systematic control groups, longitudinal studies, and normative values. The mother's presence is always preferred, but the use of music therapy and the devices analyzed, although not able to replace her presence, aim to soften her absence through familiar and protective stimuli, which is a very powerful aid during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Massimo Vitale
- Psicologia Magistrale (LM-51), Clinical and Rehabilitation Psychology, Università Niccolò Cusano, 00166 Roma, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.M.V.); (G.C.)
| | - Gaetano Chirico
- Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Children Hospital, ASST Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.M.V.); (G.C.)
| | - Carmen Lentini
- Neonatal Pathology/NICU, Ospedale Civile Padova—AOPD, 35128 Padova, Italy;
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14
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Assessing speech exposure in the NICU: Implications for speech enrichment for preterm infants. J Perinatol 2020; 40:1537-1545. [PMID: 32362660 PMCID: PMC8189318 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-020-0672-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Quantify NICU speech exposure over multiple days in relation to NICU care practices. METHODS Continuous measures of speech exposure were obtained for preterm infants (n = 21; 12 M) born <34 weeks gestational age in incubators (n = 12) or open cribs (n = 9) for 5-14 days. Periods of care (routine, developmental) and delivery source (family, medical staff, cuddler) were determined through chart review. RESULTS Infants spent 13% of their time in Care, with >75% of care time reflecting developmental care. Speech counts were higher during care than no care, for mature vs. immature infants, and for infants in open cribs vs. incubators. Family participation in care ranged widely, with the highest speech counts occurring during periods of intentional voice exposure. CONCLUSIONS Care activities represent a small portion of NICU experiences. Speech exposure during Developmental Care, especially with intentional voice exposure, may be an important source of stimulation. Implications for care practices are discussed.
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15
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Murray PD, Swanson JR. Visitation restrictions: is it right and how do we support families in the NICU during COVID-19? J Perinatol 2020; 40:1576-1581. [PMID: 32772051 PMCID: PMC7414900 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-020-00781-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has largely not clinically affected infants in neonatal intensive care units around the globe, it has affected how care is provided. Most hospitals, including their NICUs, have significantly reduced parental and family visitation privileges. From an ethical perspective, this restriction of parental visitation in settings where infectious risk is difficult to understand. No matter what the right thing to do is, NICUs are currently having to support families of their patients via different mechanisms. In this perspective, we discuss ways NICUs can support parents and families when they are home and when they are in the NICU as well as provide infants the support needed when family members are not able to visit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter D. Murray
- grid.412998.f0000 0004 0434 0379Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Virginia Children’s Hospital, Charlottesville, VA USA
| | - Jonathan R. Swanson
- grid.412998.f0000 0004 0434 0379Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Virginia Children’s Hospital, Charlottesville, VA USA
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16
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Neonatal Neurocritical Care: Providing Brain-Focused Care for All at Risk Neonates. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2019; 32:100774. [PMID: 31813520 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2019.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal neurocritical care is an evolving subsubspecialty whose goal is to implement neuroprotective care strategies, continuous bedside monitoring of neurologic function, and therapies in order to reduce the risk of neurologic injury and improve long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in neonates who require intensive care. The provision of neonatal neurocritical care requires a culture change across a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in which equal importance is placed on the neurologic care and the cardiorespiratory care of a given patient. It is a multidisciplinary framework of care in which neonatologist and pediatric neurologist come together to address the unique needs of NICU patients whose brains are still developing and are vulnerable to injury. Advances in bedside brain monitoring techniques and the use of therapeutic hypothermia for Hupoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy have accelerated the development of NeuroNICUs across the United States and abroad. Neonatologists, neurologists, neurophysiologists, nurses, and other ancillary members of the team work together to develop guidelines for commonly encountered neurological conditions in the NICU. The use of these guidelines helps provide standardized care across a unit and can reduce morbidity and length of hospital stay.
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17
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Stefana A, Lavelli M, Rossi G, Beebe B. Interactive sequences between fathers and preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. Early Hum Dev 2019; 140:104888. [PMID: 31670161 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2019.104888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The first purpose of the study was to examine fathers' spontaneous communicative behavior with their preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit, and how father's and infant's behaviors affected each other. The second purpose was to examine any possible association between the fathers' and/or infants' characteristics and the quality of fathers' behaviors with their infants. STUDY DESIGN/SUBJECTS/OUTCOME MEASURES Father-preterm infant dyads (n=20) were assessed at 34-36 weeks postmenstrual age, during a spontaneous face-to-face communication with the infant placed in a heated cot in the NICU, and coded according to the Parent-Preterm Infant Coding System. RESULTS The presence of the father's Affiliative Behavior increased the occurrences of infant Gazing at the parent's face. In turn, infant gazing increased the occurrence of paternal Affiliative Behavior. The likelihood of infant's Gazing at the father's face was also significantly elicited by infrequent occurrences of paternal Affectionate Talk, co-occurring with Gazing at infant with Positive Facial Affect (but no Touch). With regard to the predictors of quality in father-infant interactions, we found a significant positive correlation between fathers' level of depressive symptomatology and fathers' Affiliative Behavior. CONCLUSION Our results show the of bidirectional sequential patterns of communication between fathers and preterm infants at 35 weeks postmenstrual age, and provide important information about the quality and modalities of paternal communication and their influence on infant behavioral states. From a clinical perspective, these results suggest that father-specific interventions designed to improve and sustain fathers' positive engagement with infants in the NICU should be pursued.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manuela Lavelli
- Department of Human Sciences, University of Verona, Lungadige Porta Vittoria 17, 37129 Verona, Italy
| | - Germano Rossi
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan Bicocca, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Beatrice Beebe
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, 40 Haven Avenue Unit 78 New York, NY 10032, USA
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18
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Sanchez K, Spittle A. The language environment of the hospitalised neonate. Acta Paediatr 2019; 108:1172. [PMID: 30843278 DOI: 10.1111/apa.14741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alicia Spittle
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute Parkville Vic. Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute Royal Women's Hospital & the University of Melbourne Parkville Vic. Australia
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19
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Franck LS, O'Brien K. The evolution of family-centered care: From supporting parent-delivered interventions to a model of family integrated care. Birth Defects Res 2019; 111:1044-1059. [PMID: 31115181 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing recognition that parents play a critical role in promoting the health outcomes of low birthweight and preterm infants. Despite a large body of literature on interventions and models to support family engagement in infant care, parent involvement in the delivery of care for such infants is still restricted in many neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). In this article, we propose a taxonomy for classifying parent-focused NICU interventions and parent-partnered care models to aid researchers, clinical teams, and health systems to evaluate existing and future approaches to care. The proposed framework has three levels: interventions to support parents, parent-delivered interventions, and multidimensional models of NICU care that explicitly incorporate parents and partners in the care of their preterm or low birthweight infant. We briefly review the available evidence for interventions at each level and highlight the strong level of research evidence to support the parent-delivered intervention of skin-to-skin contact (also known as the Kangaroo Care position) and for the Kangaroo mother care and family integrated care models of NICU care. We suggest directions for future research and model implementation to improve and scale-up parent partnership in the care of NICU infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda S Franck
- Department of Family Health Care Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Karel O'Brien
- Department of Paediatrics, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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