Assessing Barriers to Utilization of Premedication for Neonatal Intubation Based on the Theoretical Domains Framework

This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators of premedication utilization for nonemergent neonatal intubations (NIs) in a level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Between November 2018 and January 2019, multidisciplinary providers at a level IV NICU were invited to participate in an anonymous, electronic survey based on Theoretical Domains Framework to identify influences on utilization of evidence-based recommendations for NI premedication.

Of 186 surveys distributed, 84 (45%) providers responded. Most agreed with premedication use in the following domains: professional role/identity (86%), emotions (79%), skills (72%), optimism (71%), and memory, attention, and decision process (71%). Domains with less agreement include social influences (42%), knowledge (57%), intention (60%), belief about capabilities (63%), and behavior regulation (64%). Additional barriers include environmental context and resources, and beliefs about consequences.

Several factors influence premedication use for nonemergent NI and may serve as facilitators and/or barriers. Efforts to address barriers should incorporate a multidisciplinary approach to improve patient outcomes and decrease procedure-related pain.

· Premedication for NIs can optimize conditions and decrease rates of tracheal intubation adverse events but there is significant international and institutional variation for premedication use for NI.. · Guided by implementation science methods, the Theoretical Domains Framework was utilized to construct a novel assessment tool to determine potential barriers to and facilitators of the use of premedication for NI.. · Several factors influence premedication for nonemergent NI..