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Recommended Citation
Behm M, Eldrenkamp C, Lake A. Optimizing neurodevelopmental outcomes by increasing skin-to-skin care for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit patients. Quality Improvement poster presentation at Elevating Nursing Excellence: Purpose, Profession, Passion; Advocate Health Midwest Region Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference 2024; November 13, 2024; virtual.
Presentation Notes
Quality Improvement poster presentation at Elevating Nursing Excellence: Purpose, Profession, Passion; Advocate Health Midwest Region Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference 2024; November 13, 2024; virtual.
Abstract
Background: Recently, the World Health Organization and American Academy of Pediatrics recommended immediate and prolonged skin-to-skin or kangaroo care for all newborns, including preterm infants. This evidence-based intervention has the potential to save lives and improve neurodevelopmental outcomes when applied to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit patients.
Local Problem: Providing skin-to-skin care for sick newborns is a complex process of moving a tiny, sick patient, who is often attached to life sustaining equipment, from an incubator to the patient’s parent and back again. We were curious to understand how our practices compare to the 2022 recommendations and if process improvements could overcome barriers, increase overall skin-to-skin care, and lead to improved patient outcomes.
Method: A multi-disciplinary team gathered to review literature, collect baseline data, establish our project aims, and begin working through a series of Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles. Cycles included team and parent education, simulation education sessions, kangaroo-a-thon events, medical record documentation changes, and team member recognition. Data of delivery room and ongoing skin-to-skin care for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit patients was gathered from the medical record from March 2023 through present.
Results/Conclusions: Providing education to both parents and team members created a shared mental model for skin-to-skin care practices. Delivery room skin-to-skin care improved from 0% to 46%; skin-to-skin care within the first 72 hours of life improved from 52% to 71%. There were no unintended consequences of early skin-to-skin care.
Implications for Practice: Supporting this evidence-based recommendation requires a committed team with extensive training, education, skill, passion, and personnel. Parent education and support programs are key to the success of the intervention. Further evaluation of short and long-term developmental outcomes for patients receiving skin-to-skin care are currently underway.
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
11-13-2024
Optimizing neurodevelopmental outcomes by increasing skin-to-skin care for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit patients
Background: Recently, the World Health Organization and American Academy of Pediatrics recommended immediate and prolonged skin-to-skin or kangaroo care for all newborns, including preterm infants. This evidence-based intervention has the potential to save lives and improve neurodevelopmental outcomes when applied to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit patients.
Local Problem: Providing skin-to-skin care for sick newborns is a complex process of moving a tiny, sick patient, who is often attached to life sustaining equipment, from an incubator to the patient’s parent and back again. We were curious to understand how our practices compare to the 2022 recommendations and if process improvements could overcome barriers, increase overall skin-to-skin care, and lead to improved patient outcomes.
Method: A multi-disciplinary team gathered to review literature, collect baseline data, establish our project aims, and begin working through a series of Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles. Cycles included team and parent education, simulation education sessions, kangaroo-a-thon events, medical record documentation changes, and team member recognition. Data of delivery room and ongoing skin-to-skin care for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit patients was gathered from the medical record from March 2023 through present.
Results/Conclusions: Providing education to both parents and team members created a shared mental model for skin-to-skin care practices. Delivery room skin-to-skin care improved from 0% to 46%; skin-to-skin care within the first 72 hours of life improved from 52% to 71%. There were no unintended consequences of early skin-to-skin care.
Implications for Practice: Supporting this evidence-based recommendation requires a committed team with extensive training, education, skill, passion, and personnel. Parent education and support programs are key to the success of the intervention. Further evaluation of short and long-term developmental outcomes for patients receiving skin-to-skin care are currently underway.
Affiliations
Advocate Children's Hospital, Park Ridge