Hitchcock SC, Ruhl C. Nurses Leading Safe Infant Sleep Initiatives in the Hospital Setting.
Nurs Womens Health 2019;
23:148-162. [PMID:
30975288 DOI:
10.1016/j.nwh.2019.02.003]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 09/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Every day, 10 otherwise healthy infants die from sleep-related deaths in the United States. These deaths, termed sudden unexpected infant death, remain the leading cause of post-neonatal death in the United States despite known modifiable risk factors and prevention recommendations. In birthing hospitals, many parents report being given incorrect and sometimes no information about infant sleep safety, which creates immediate and long-term safety concerns. In this article, we provide an overview of sudden unexpected infant death, including sudden unexpected postnatal collapse, and the latest safe sleep recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics. We also offer practical guidelines for nurses-those working at the bedside and those in leadership positions-who may be seeking to improve the quality of infant sleep practices in their organizations.
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