Transition of the preterm infant to an open crib: process of the project group

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Nursing
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Healthcare Protocol Development

Background:

• Implementing research findings into clinical practice is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
• The Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) initiated a project to address the transition of preterm infants.
• Existing protocols may not fully optimize the care of preterm infants transitioning to an open crib.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the systematic process used by the AWHONN project group in developing a research-based protocol.
• To describe the implementation and testing of the "Transition of the Preterm Infant to an Open Crib" protocol.
• To provide a model for future research utilization projects in nursing.

Main Methods:

• A project group comprising clinical experts and researchers convened at AWHONN headquarters.
• The group conceptualized and developed a research-based protocol through iterative discussions.
• The protocol was subsequently tested across nine clinical sites in the United States and Canada.

Main Results:

• A finalized research-based protocol for the transition of preterm infants to an open crib was developed.
• The protocol underwent testing at multiple clinical sites, providing data on its feasibility and effectiveness.
• The process facilitated collaboration between researchers and clinicians.

Conclusions:

• The outlined process offers a viable format for future research utilization initiatives.
• Successful implementation of research into practice requires a structured, collaborative approach.
• The developed protocol has the potential to enhance the care of preterm infants during this critical transition phase.