Other content tagged: NICU
PICAPP – An app to support the development of preterm babies
Guest article by Livia Nagy, founder of “Right(s) beside you Association” (“Melletted a helyem Egyesület”) One in 11 newborns in Hungary is born preterm. Families are caught unprepared facing preterm birth and one of the main objectives of the “Right(s) beside you Association” (“Melletted a helyem Egyesület”) is to support parents in this unexpected life situation from the very beginning in the NICU. Lack of information but also fears from inappropriate internet materials further complicate the situation for parents. The…
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Exploring Parental Bereavement Support in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
A recent systematic review from Canada explored parental experiences and bereavement in the NICU, shedding light on the challenges of infant loss. Healthcare professionals are crucial in supporting parents, which can be done by facilitating meaningful moments and using clear communication. Strategies like shared decision-making, parental involvement in activities, and bonding time were also found to help with grief. Other resources like spiritual care and counselling are also essential. Understanding parents' needs in neonatal loss…
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Impact of a sensory-based intervention in the NICU on parents and their preterm born babies
35 families received the Supporting and Enhancing Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Sensory Experiences (SENSE) programme-based intervention. The preterm born babies (≤ 32 weeks of pregnancy) experienced sensory exposures like human touch or massage on each day of their NICU hospitalisation. The main aim of the study was to find out whether it makes a difference who is performing (parents vs. volunteers/professionals) the sensory activity regarding the babies' neurobehaviour and parental mental health. In the…
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Experience of a Mother‑Newborn Care Unit (MNCU) in India – A successful example of Zero Separation
In the iKMC study, the effect of immediate kangaroo mother care (KMC) was investigated. Researchers implemented new facilities where sick and small newborns resided with their mothers 24/7 and were encouraged to practice immediate KMC. This new concept showed better health outcomes for the mother and the baby, including a 25% lower death rate during the first 28 days of life. Zero separation…
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Parent-support intervention in end-of-life-care at a neonatal intensive care unit in China
A study conducted at a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in China investigated the impact of parental involvement in the end-of-life-care (EOLC) of their preterm infants on parental depression and satisfaction with their child’s medical treatment. Parents who received the intervention spent time caring for their newborn in the final days of the infant’s life and experienced lower levels of depression and greater satisfaction with the care provided than those who opted for standard EOLC.…
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Developmentally supportive care among NICU nurses in South Korea
The implementation of developmentally supportive care can directly impact the health outcome of preterm babies. A study evaluated South Korean NICU nurses’ experience and perception regarding this approach. Of the 160 participants, almost half could not provide adequate developmentally supportive care, and all nurses indicated the need for education on the matter. Preterm birth rates have increased in South Korea during the last years, and management and care provision has become a significant healthcare…
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Family Integrated Care to Improve Paternal Mental Health
A study conducted in the Netherlands examined the mental health of fathers of preterm infants after their stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Responses of 126 fathers who were enrolled in integrated family care units (FICare) were compared to those of 137 fathers in standard neonatal care units (SNC). It is known that active participation in the care of their infants during NICU stay has a positive impact on maternal mental health…
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EFCNI involved in new study on blood transfusions in preterm babies
Most preterm babies admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) receive blood transfusions. Some neonates, however, receive blood transfusions even though these transfusions may not be necessary, cause side effects or even harm. Therefore, the International Neonatal tranSfusion PoInt pREvalence study (INSPIRE) aims to describe the current state and indications for blood transfusions among preterm babies in Europe. Although most preterm babies receive blood transfusions in the NICU, there are no international guidelines that have…
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The changing face of neonatal intensive care for infants born extremely preterm
Researchers from the University of Melbourne have analysed changes in attitude, physical environment, staffing and medical treatment within neonatal intensive care to identify the changes’ impact on extremely preterm (EP) babies. Applying an evidence-based approach is key to adapting to those changes without compromising the health of preterm babies. Neonatal intensive care for infants born extremely preterm (<28 weeks’ gestation) has changed dramatically over the past years, beginning with the rudimentary care of the…
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Maternal stress, depression, and attachment in the NICU, before and during the COVID pandemic
A study from the University of Geneva analysed the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mothers’ postnatal depression, stress, and their attachment process with the baby. The results showed a trend of increased depression and stress symptoms in mothers during COVID-19, which also challenged the attachment process. Higher levels of depression and anxiety are believed to be part of women's birthing and post-partum experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, if a preterm baby requires hospitalisation, the mother faces not only…
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