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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Neonatal nurses' beliefs, knowledge, and practices in relation to sudden infant death syndrome risk-reduction
Sarah Gutin Barsman1, Donna A Dowling, Elizabeth G Damato
1Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland (Ms Barsman, Dr Dowling, and Dr Damato), and University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Southwest General, Middleburg Heights (Ms Czeck), Ohio.
Insights
Neonatal nurses
Area of Science:
- Neonatal nursing
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a leading cause of infant mortality in the US.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated SIDS risk-reduction recommendations in 2011.
- Limited data exists on neonatal nurses' adherence to these updated SIDS prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate neonatal nurses' knowledge, beliefs, and practices concerning SIDS prevention.
- To compare SIDS prevention strategies between Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Transitional Care Unit (TCU) settings.
Main Methods:
- A prospective-descriptive study was conducted.
- A 33-item questionnaire on SIDS risk reduction was administered to nurses in a level III NICU/TCU.
- A convenience sample of 96 nurses completed the questionnaire (48% response rate).
Main Results:
- A majority of nurses were aware of the 2011 SIDS recommendations.
- 53% of nurses believed SIDS recommendations are effective; 20% believed parents model staff practices.
- Verbal (63%) and written (28%) information dissemination to parents varied; TCU nurses showed more consistent adherence.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced neonatal nursing and parental education on SIDS prevention is crucial.
- Updated hospital policies supporting safe sleep practices are essential.
- Further multicenter research in level II/III NICUs is needed to assess SIDS attitudes and practices.
Background:
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) remains the third leading cause of infant death in the United States and the leading cause of death beyond 1 month of age. In 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released the newest SIDS risk-reduction recommendations, which address healthcare providers in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Little is known about neonatal nurses' SIDS prevention strategies since the release of these newest recommendations.
Purpose:
To assess neonatal nurses' beliefs, knowledge, and practices regarding SIDS prevention in both the NICU and step-down transitional care unit (TCU).
Methods:
A prospective-descriptive design was used. The 33-item SIDS Risk-Reduction Questionnaire was distributed to a convenience sample of nurses in a level III NICU/TCU in the Midwest.
Results:
Two hundred questionnaires were distributed; 96 (48%) were returned completed. Fifty-three percent of nurses strongly agreed that SIDS recommendations make a difference in preventing SIDS and 20% strongly believed that parents model SIDS prevention practices employed by staff. A majority of nurses correctly identified 2011 recommendations. Sixty-three percent of nurses often or always gave parents verbal information and 28% often or always gave parents written information regarding SIDS. Differences were seen between NICU and TCU nurses concerning beliefs and practices, suggesting that TCU nurses more consistently follow SIDS recommendations.
Implications For Practice:
Increased neonatal nursing and parental education regarding SIDS prevention and updated hospital policies promoting safe sleep are paramount.
Implications For Research:
Larger multicenter studies in level II/III NICUs are needed to provide further data on SIDS attitudes and practices.
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