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Effects of the neonatal intensive care unit environment on preterm infant oral feeding

Rita H Pickler1, Jacqueline M McGrath2, Barbara A Reyna3

  • 1Department of Patient Services, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.

Research and Reports in Neonatology
|January 2, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Environmental factors like light and sound in neonatal intensive care units impact preterm infant feeding. Moderate light and specific feeding times, regardless of unit type, improved oral feeding outcomes for these vulnerable infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal care
  • Environmental psychology
  • Pediatric nutrition

Background:

  • Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) present unique environmental challenges for preterm infants.
  • Understanding the impact of NICU environmental characteristics on infant development and care is crucial.
  • Oral feeding is a critical developmental milestone for preterm infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how NICU environmental characteristics, including light and sound levels and time of day, affect oral feeding outcomes in preterm infants.
  • To compare these effects between open unit wards and single-family rooms (SFRs).

Main Methods:

  • Prospective data collection on 87 preterm infants from their first oral feeding until discharge.
  • Recorded feeding volume (prescribed vs. consumed), infant wakefulness, and nurse-perceived light and sound levels.
  • Data analyzed across 5111 feedings in ward units and 5802 in SFRs.

Main Results:

  • Single-family rooms (SFRs) had significantly lower perceived light and sound levels compared to open wards.
  • Peak light and sound levels occurred at 9 am, 12 noon, and 3 pm, irrespective of unit design.
  • Moderate light and feeding times of 12 am, 3 am, and 6 am were associated with better feeding volumes consumed. Infants consumed a higher proportion of prescribed volume when awake and in open wards.

Conclusions:

  • NICU environmental factors, such as light and sound, significantly influence preterm infant oral feeding.
  • Further research is needed to understand the clinical impact of unit design and environmental stimuli.
  • Tailored interventions are necessary to support optimal development in preterm infants.
Abstract

Keywords:
NICU designclinical outcomesenvironment

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