The effect of a group discussion about premature newborns between mothers and healthcare team on mother’ stress and coping in neonatal intensive care unit

BackgroundPremature birth is a source of severe stress for parents. The current study aimed to determine the effect of group discussion between mothers and the healthcare team on mothers' stress and coping strategies.MethodsThis non-randomized, prospective, interventional study was conducted in 2017. Eighty mothers with premature infants were enrolled in the study (40 mothers in each group). Four sessions of group discussion focusing on family-centered care were conducted for the intervention group. Parental Stress Scale and the Brief COPE were completed for the first three days and two weeks later, and the data were analyzed using t-test and repeated measure ANOVA.ResultsDifferences in maternal stress reduction between the intervention and control groups were statistically significant (p=0.002). Problem-focused coping strategies were increased significantly in the intervention group (P = 0.01).ConclusionsGroup discussions between mothers and healthcare team members as a way to improve the quality of care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can help mothers stress reduction and improving positive coping strategies.     

A service evaluation of the fathers’ peer support group on a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)

The following study evaluates a fathers' peer support group facilitated on a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Within the group, the experiences of fathers with an infant on the NICU was explored. Data was collected from eight fathers and analysed using thematic analysis. Four key themes emerged: (1) the “ups and downs” of the NICU journey, (2) the “balance between two worlds”; juggling NICU and life outside, (3) being “an important member of the family”; feeling seen, included and cared for and (4) “I'm not alone”; the benefits of the shared experience. The study concluded that the peer group was a valued form of support during which fathers were facilitated to meet other NICU dads, share their NICU journey and learn from the experiences of others. Recommendations for setting up a NICU fathers' peer support group are provided.     

Does breastfeeding reduce acute procedural pain in preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit? A randomized clinical trial

Managing acute procedural pain effectively in preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit remains a significant problem. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of breastfeeding for reducing pain and to determine if breastfeeding skills were altered after this treatment. Fifty-seven infants born at 30-36 weeks gestational age were randomized to be breastfed (BF) or to be given a soother during blood collection. Changes in the Behavioral Indicators of Infant Pain (BIIP) and in mean heart rate (HR) across 3 phases of blood collection were measured. In the BF group, the Premature Infant Breastfeeding Behaviors (PIBBS) scale was scored before and 24 hours after blood collection. Longitudinal regression analysis was used to compare changes in Lance/squeeze and Recovery phases of blood collection between groups, with gestational age at birth, baseline BIIP scores, and mean HR included as covariates. Differences in PIBBS scores were assessed using a paired t-test. Relationships between PIBBS scores, BIIP scores, and HR were evaluated with Pearson correlations. No differences between treatment groups were found: BIIP (P=0.44, confidence interval [CI] -1.60-0.69); HR (P=0.73, CI -7.0-10.0). Infants in the BF group showed improved PIBBS scores after the treatment (P<0.01, CI -2.7 to -0.2). Lower BIIP scores during the Lance/squeeze were associated significantly with more mature sucking patterns (r=-0.39, P<0.05). Breastfeeding during blood collection did not reduce pain indices or interfere with the acquisition of breastfeeding skills. Exploratory analyses indicate there may be benefit for infants with mature breastfeeding abilities.     

Exploratory laparotomy or peritoneal drain? Management of bowel perforation in the neonatal intensive care unit

Premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit are at risk for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and bowel perforation. Unfortunately the mortality and morbidity for intestinal perforation in neonates, especially extremely low-birth-weight infants (VLBW), is high. The criterion standard traditional management for bowel perforation has been exploratory laparotomy (LAP). Another less invasive alternative treatment modality for selected intestinal perforation is primary peritoneal drainage (PPD). The role and efficacy of PPD as a definitive treatment instead of laparotomy remains to be determined. To better appreciate the emergence and evolving role of PPD in the management of intestinal perforation in NEC or isolated intestinal perforation, 8 selected research articles will be reviewed. Findings from these studies will be summarized to address the original purpose of PPD as a rescue and stabilizing measure for VLBW infants with complicated NEC, the expanded and superior role of PPD when it is used for VLBW infants with isolated ileal perforation, and PPD not as a sole surgical management but as an adjunct therapy to LAP in perforated NEC for the VLBW infants.     

Stakeholders’ perceptions of family-centred care in the intensive care unit: An associative group analysis

AimTo explore different stakeholders’ including nurses, health care professionals and family member’s perceptions of ideal family-centred care in an intensive care unit.Research design and methodsWe used a mixed method approach to identify perceptions of family-centred care with 60 stakeholders of equal numbers who voluntarily participated in the study. Data were collected over one month using an associative group analysis method. The responses were ranked, scored, thematically themed and weighted.SettingA 23 bed adult intensive care unit in an urban private hospital in South Africa.FindingsAccording to the stakeholders’ responses, ideal family-centred care should be built around communication based on expectations and engagement. In addition, the physical environment should allow for overall comfort and spiritual care must be incorporated.ConclusionStakeholders had similar perceptions on the main themes however; nuances of different perspectives were identified showing some of the complexities related to family-centred care. Spiritual care was highlighted by the family members, revealing the need to broaden the care perspectives of healthcare providers.     

Hypernatremia in the intensive care unit: an indicator of quality of care?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency of hypernatremia in patients who were admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) and to determine the correlation of hypernatremia with the clinical outcomes, durations of the patients' stays in the ICU, and other clinical variables. DESIGN: Retrospective survey. SETTING: University teaching hospital. PATIENTS: All patients (total, 389) who were admitted to the medical ICU of the department of internal medicine during 1 yr. MEASUREMENTS: The database of our hospital's mainframe computer was searched for sodium values > or = 150 mmol/L that were registered in the year 1995. These data were then matched with the registration numbers of all patients who were admitted to our medical ICU between January 1 and December 31, 1995. In this way, we identified all patients in whom hypernatremia was present at admission or those who developed hypernatremia in the course of their stay in our ICU. The prevalence and duration of hypernatremia (defined as a serum sodium concentration of > or = 150 mmol/L or more) were determined; the correlation of hypernatremia with clinical outcome, duration of ICU stay, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores, and other clinical variables were evaluated; and changes in fluid administration in response to hypernatremia and fluid regimens in the period preceding hypernatremia were examined. MAIN RESULTS: Of a total of 389 patients who were admitted in 1995, hypernatremia was present at admission in 34 patients (8.9%). The average duration of hypernatremia in these patients was 16.2 (range, 4-56) hrs. A total of 22 patients (5.7%) developed hypernatremia in the course of their stay in the ICU. The average duration of hypernatremia in this group was 34.7 (range, 4-89) hrs. Moderately elevated levels of sodium had been detected in most of these patients (n = 21) in the days before the development of severe hypernatremia; however, adjustments in fluid infusion aimed at preventing the occurrence of hypernatremia were either lacking (n = 7) or inadequate (n = 11). Hospital-acquired hypernatremia vs. hypernatremia present at admission to the ICU was associated with a higher mortality rate (32% vs. 20.3%, respectively; p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Despite frequent measurement of sodium levels in patients in the ICU, hypernatremia is a relatively common occurrence. Initial treatment of hypernatremia is often inadequate, and sometimes treatment is delayed. The development of hypernatremia is associated with adverse outcomes for patients developing hypernatremia in the ICU. Hypernatremia could potentially be used as an indicator of quality of care in the medical ICU.     

Case study of an educational intervention to favor siblings’ adaptation during the hospitalization of a preterm infant in the neonatal intensive care unit

Hospitalization of a preterm infant in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) places additional strain on the family and influences the siblings' adaptation. Although it is essential to support the siblings’ adaptation and provide family-centered care in the NICU, sibling involvement is rarely integrated into nursing care. An evidence-based intervention was therefore developed in a level-III NICU and its impact on sibling adaptation was evaluated using a Case study in which three families with a hospitalized infant and siblings between 3 and 12 years old participated. The parents were asked to consult a website and attend a 30-min educational session on issues related to sibling adaptation, and the siblings received a structured introduction to the NICU and visited the preterm infant. All three families were satisfied with the activities, although two parents felt neutral about whether the intervention met their expectations. Overall, the intervention seems to have the potential to facilitate sibling adaptation during the experience of a NICU hospitalization.     

Nurses’ clinical leadership in the intensive care unit: A scoping review

ObjectiveTo explore the existing knowledge in the literature about nurses' clinical leadership in the intensive care unit.MethodsA scoping review was conducted according to Arksey & O'Malley’s methodology. The search process encompassed five main online databases, PubMed (including MEDLINE), CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus and Cochrane, for the period January 2007-September 2022. Data abstraction, quality appraisal and narrative synthesis were conducted in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines.ResultsEleven studies were included. The evidence reveals that idealised influence, motivational inspiration, intellectual stimulation and intrinsic individual consideration are the key clinical nurse leader competencies needed in the intensive care unit. The compatible leadership styles in this setting are situational and transformational. Communication skills and professional experience seem to be determinants to consider in the strategies to promote clinical leadership in intensive care units.ConclusionsThis scoping review provides broad and comprehensive knowledge, which helps to understand, in a single study, the key competencies, leadership styles, determinants and strategies needed to promote intensive care unit nurses' clinical leadership.     

The impact of family centred care interventions in a neonatal or paediatric intensive care unit on parents’ satisfaction and length of stay: A systematic review

ObjectiveTo explore the impact of family centred care interventions on parents’ satisfaction and length of stay for patients admitted to a paediatric intensive care unit or a neonatal intensive care unit.MethodsA systematic review was conducted. Searches have been done in Cinahl, Cochrane, Embase and PubMed from February 2016 till October 2017. All included studies were quality appraised. Due to the heterogeneity of interventions findings were narratively reviewed.ResultsSeventeen studies were included in this review of which 12/17 studies investigated parents’ satisfaction and 7/17 length of stay. For this review two types of interventions were found. Interventions improving parents-professional collaboration which increased parents’ satisfaction, and interventions improving parents’ involvement which decreased length of stay. Overall quality of the included studies was weak to good.ConclusionsStrong evidence was found for a significant decrease in length of stay when parents where participating in caring for their infant in a neonatal intensive care unit. Moderate evidence was found in parents’ satisfaction, which increased when collaboration between parents and professionals at a neonatal intensive care unit improved. Studies performed in a paediatric intensive care setting were of weak to moderate quality and too few to show evidence regarding parents satisfaction and length of stay.     

How can family centred care be improved to meet the needs of parents with a premature baby in neonatal intensive care?

During clinical practice in 2010 as a final year nursing student, time was spent across two neonatal intensive care units; significant differences were noted in the way professionals involved family in their baby’s care. This article aims to identify areas of practice that reflect a family centred care (FCC) approach when a baby is born prematurely. The birth of a premature baby can put parents under enormous strain. Whilst it is not always possible to prepare for the birth, effective communication can reduce the impact of stress. Parents are the most important part of a baby’s caregiving team, and the delivery of effective FCC requires sensitivity and understanding. This article will identify parents’ needs, and ways that professionals can offer meaningful support. Practice will be reflected upon and recommendations made.