Increasing skin-to-skin care in very and extremely preterm infants using an iterative quality improvement approach
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: Objective: This quality improvement (QI) initiative aimed to increase skin-to-skin care (SSC) and positive parental touch (PPT) rates to >90 % among infants <32 weeks' gestation in a Level IV NICU. Methods: Guided by a key driver diagram, interventions were implemented through three Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles: developmental rounds (month 1), parent education (month 6), and the Supporting and Enhancing NICU Sensory Experiences program (month 8). We evaluated PPT within 72 h of birth, SSC within the first week of life, and time to first SSC during the development, implementation, and sustainability phases. Results: SSC rates increased from 71 % (development) to 93 % (implementation) and 94 % (sustainability). PPT rates sustained at 98 % during the implementation and sustainability phases. No increases in unplanned extubation or intraventricular hemorrhage were observed. Conclusion: A structured, multidisciplinary approach improved and sustained SSC rates for preterm infants without adverse effects.
Source: Journal of Neonatal Nursing
Authors: Tiana T. Nguyen, Matthew J. Miller, Elizabeth E. Rogers, Laurel Pershall, Jeannie Chan, Taylor Park, Diana Rogosa, Katelin Kramer
Institution: University of California, San Francisco
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,200
Awards: G3741669538, NRSA Training Core
OpenAlex ID: W4410107876