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The Effects of a Three-Stair Positioning Pillow Used for Preterm Infants on Physiologic Parameters and
1Author Affiliations: Department of Child Health and Diseases Nursing, Health Sciences of Faculty, Harran University, Sanlıurfa, Turkey (Dr Bozdag); and Department of Child Health and Diseases Nursing, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, İstanbul, Turkey (Dr Balci).
Insights
Three-stair positioning pillows (TSPPs) improved physiological parameters and sleep in preterm infants. This NICU intervention led to lower heart rates, better oxygen saturation, and more sleep time.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal intensive care
- Pediatric sleep medicine
- Infant physiology
Background:
- Optimizing sleep is crucial for preterm infant growth in the NICU.
- Preterm infants (28-35 weeks postmenstrual age) require specialized support for development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of novel 3-stair positioning pillows (TSPPs) on preterm infants.
- To assess the effects of TSPPs on physiological parameters and sleep-wakefulness in preterm neonates.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 60 preterm infants.
- The experimental group used TSPPs in the prone position; the control group received routine care.
- Physiological parameters and sleep status were monitored for 3 hours.
Main Results:
- Infants using TSPPs showed significantly lower heart rates (P < .001).
- Higher oxygen saturations and lower respiratory rates were observed in the TSPP group (P < .001).
- The TSPP group experienced longer sleep durations and shorter wakefulness times (P < .001).
Conclusions:
- TSPP use positively influences physiological stability in preterm infants.
- Positioning with TSPPs enhances sleep-wakefulness status for neonates in the NICU.
- TSPPs are recommended for improving preterm infant outcomes in the NICU.
Background:
It is important to provide the necessary sleep for the growth of preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of 3-stair positioning pillows (TSPPs) developed for preterm infants with postnatal age 28 to 35 weeks on physiologic parameters and sleep-wakefulness status.
Methods:
This research was conducted as a randomized controlled experimental study. The CONSORT flowchart was used in the implementation of the randomized controlled trial. The preterm infants in the experimental group were placed in the prone position with TSPPs, whereas the preterm infants in the control group were followed in the routine prone position given in the neonatal intensive care unit. Preterm infants were followed for a total of 3 hours.
Results:
The sample of the study consisted of 60 preterm infants (experiment group = 30; control group = 30) who were hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit and met the selection criteria. Compared with the infants in the control group, the preterm infants in the experimental group were determined to have significantly lower heart rates, higher oxygen saturations, lower respiratory rates, longer sleep durations, and shorter wakefulness times ( P < .001).
Conclusion:
It was found that positioning preterm infants using TSPP had positive effects on physiological parameters (heart rate, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate) and sleep-wakefulness status in favor of the experimental group.
Implications For Practice:
It is recommended to use a TSPP that supports the prone position to improve the physiologic parameters and sleep-wakefulness status of preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. Larger studies need to be conducted utilizing longer follow-up protocols. Examining the effectiveness of TSPPs with different positioning materials in preterm infants is needed.
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