Differences in newborn umbilical cord care.
Sanja Kanisek1, Nada Prlić2, Ivana Barać2
1Community-Health Nursing Services, Community Health Centre Osijek: Croatia.
Summary
Healthcare workers use varied umbilical cord care practices and recommendations. A national consensus on standardized guidelines for newborn umbilical cord care is needed.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Care
- Public Health
- Evidence-Based Practice
Background:
- Umbilical cord care practices among healthcare workers vary significantly.
- Current recommendations to parents on cord care lack standardization.
- There is a recognized need for consensus on best practices in newborn care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency of different umbilical cord care practices and recommendations.
- To identify the need for consensus on best cord care practices and newborn care procedures among health workers.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was administered to 110 healthcare workers in Eastern Croatia.
- The study evaluated cord care practices, parental recommendations, and the need for consensus.
- Respondents included staff from hospital nurseries, community health services, and pediatric practices.
Main Results:
- Significant differences were found in both "dry" and "wet" umbilical cord care practices among respondent groups.
- Variations were also observed in recommendations provided to parents for both "dry" and "wet" cord care.
- A majority of respondents (94.5%) emphasized the need for published cord care guidelines, with 57.3% calling for national agreement.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare professionals currently employ and recommend diverse umbilical cord care practices.
- There is a clear need to establish and agree upon national guidelines for umbilical cord care.
- Standardized guidelines are essential for consistent and optimal newborn care procedures.
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