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Transition of the preterm infant to an open crib
1School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104.
Insights
Weaning very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants to an open crib is now possible at lower weights using a standardized research-based protocol. This successful project demonstrates improved readiness for preterm infant discharge.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Pediatric research
- Clinical protocol development
Background:
- Preparing preterm infants for discharge involves transitioning them from a thermoregulated environment to an open crib.
- This transition is a critical step for very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test a research-based protocol for weaning VLBW infants to an open crib.
- To evaluate the feasibility and success of standardizing this weaning process.
Main Methods:
- A research utilization project involving 270 VLBW infants across 10 hospitals.
- Implementation of a standardized protocol for transitioning infants to open cribs.
Main Results:
- Infants were successfully weaned to open cribs at a mean weight of 1,598 g.
- Mean temperature stabilization time in the open crib was 63 minutes.
- The protocol allowed weaning at significantly lower weights than previously reported.
Conclusions:
- Standardization of a weaning protocol for preterm infants is achievable.
- VLBW infants can be transitioned to open cribs at lower weights, potentially earlier discharge.
- The research-based protocol proved successful in this multi-hospital project.
Abstract:
One of the most important steps in preparing a preterm infant for discharge is the weaning from a thermoregulated environment to an open crib. This research utilization project tested a research-based protocol to wean very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants to an open crib. Two hundred seventy infants from 10 hospitals were enrolled in this project. The mean gestational age at birth was 29.3 +/- 2.8 weeks. The mean birth weight for the VLBW infants was 1,118.05 +/- 269.64 g. The mean weight when the infants were moved to an open crib was 1,598 +/- 135.7 g. The mean time for temperature stabilization after the infant was placed in an open crib was 63 +/- 41 minutes. This research utilization project has proven to be successful in that standardization of a protocol for weaning preterm infants is possible and preterm infants can be moved to an open crib at a much lower weight than has been shown in earlier clinical trials.