scholarly journals Newborn Incubators Do Not Protect from High Noise Levels in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Are Relevant Noise Sources by Themselves

Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 704
Author(s):  
Tanja Restin ◽  
Mikael Gaspar ◽  
Dirk Bassler ◽  
Vartan Kurtcuoglu ◽  
Felix Scholkmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Frequency Spectrum ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Preterm Baby ◽  
Acoustic Environment ◽  
Sound Exposure ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Transmitted Frequency

Background: While meaningful sound exposure has been shown to be important for newborn development, an excess of noise can delay the proper development of the auditory cortex. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the acoustic environment of a preterm baby in an incubator on a newborn intensive care unit (NICU). Methods: An empty but running incubator (Giraffe Omnibed, GE Healthcare) was used to evaluate the incubator frequency response with 60 measurements. In addition, a full day and night period outside and inside the incubator at the NICU of the University Hospital Zurich was acoustically analyzed. Results: The fan construction inside the incubator generates noise in the frequency range of 1.3–1.5 kHz with a weighted sound pressure level (SPL) of 40.5 dB(A). The construction of the incubator narrows the transmitted frequency spectrum of sound entering the incubator to lower frequencies, but it does not attenuate transient noises such as alarms or opening and closing of cabinet doors substantially. Alarms, as generated by the monitors, the incubator, and additional devices, still pass to the newborn. Conclusions: The incubator does protect only insufficiently from noise coming from the NICUThe transmitted frequency spectrum is changed, limiting the impact of NICU noise on the neonate, but also limiting the neonate’s perception of voices. The incubator, in particular its fan, as well as alarms from patient monitors are major sources of noise. Further optimizations with regard to the sound exposure in the NICU, as well as studies on the role of the incubator as a source and modulator, are needed to meet the preterm infants’ multi-sensory needs.

Assessment of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Sound Exposure Using a Smartphone Application

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Capriolo ◽  
Rose M. Viscardi ◽  
Karen A. Broderick ◽  
Sepideh Nassebeh ◽  
Michael Kochan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Night Shift ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Single Family ◽  
Sound Exposure ◽  
The Impact

Objective This study aimed to determine the impact of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) design and environmental factors on neonatal sound exposures. We hypothesized that monitoring with a smartphone application would identify modifiable environmental factors in different NICU design formats. Study Design Minimum, maximum, and peak decibel (dB) recordings were obtained using the Decibel X phone app, and the presence of noise sources was recorded in each patient space at three NICUs over a 6-month period (December 2017 to May 2018). Data were analyzed by Student's t-test and ANOVA with Bonferroni correction. Data were collected at the University of Maryland Medical Center single family room (SFR) level IV and St. Agnes Healthcare hybrid pod/single family room level III NICU, Baltimore, MD and at Prince George's Hospital Center open-pod design Level III NICU, Cheverly, MD. Results All recordings in the three NICUs exceeded the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended <45 dB level. The maximum and peak dB were highest in the open pod format level III NICU. Conversations/music alone and combined with other factors contributed to increased sound exposure. Sound exposure varied by day/night shift, with higher day exposures at the level III hybrid and open pod NICUs and higher night exposures at the level IV SFR NICU. Conclusion Although sound exposure varied by NICU design, all recordings exceeded the AAP recommendation due, in part, to potentially modifiable environmental factors. A smartphone application may be useful for auditing NICU sound exposure in quality improvements efforts to minimize environmental sound exposure. Key Points

Acoustic environment at a neonatal intensive care unit

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Gaspar ◽  
S Yohasenan ◽  
F Haslbeck ◽  
D Bassler ◽  
V Kurtcuoglu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Acoustic Environment

scholarly journals Mothers and fathers in NICU: The impact of preterm birth on parental distress

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 604-621 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Ionio ◽  
Caterina Colombo ◽  
Valeria Brazzoduro ◽  
Eleonora Mascheroni ◽  
Emanuela Confalonieri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Mothers And Fathers ◽  
Negative Feelings ◽  
The Impact

Preterm birth is a stressful event for families. In particular, the unexpectedly early delivery may cause negative feelings in mothers and fathers. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between preterm birth, parental stress and negative feelings, and the environmental setting of NICU. 21 mothers (age = 36.00 ± 6.85) and 19 fathers (age = 34.92 ± 4.58) of preterm infants (GA = 30.96 ± 2.97) and 20 mothers (age = 40.08 ± 4.76) and 20 fathers (age = 40.32 ± 6.77) of full-term infants (GA = 39.19 ± 1.42) were involved. All parents filled out the Parental Stressor Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the Impact of Event Scale Revised, Profile of Mood States, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and the Post-Partum Bonding Questionnaire. Our data showed differences in emotional reactions between preterm and full-term parents. Results also revealed significant differences between mothers and fathers’ responses to preterm birth in terms of stress, negative feelings, and perceptions of social support. A correlation between negative conditions at birth (e.g., birth weight and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit stay) and higher scores in some scales of Impact of Event Scale Revised, Profile of Mood States and Post-Partum Bonding Questionnaire were found. Neonatal Intensive Care Unit may be a stressful place both for mothers and fathers. It might be useful to plan, as soon as possible, interventions to help parents through the experience of the premature birth of their child and to begin an immediately adaptive mode of care.

scholarly journals Application of an antibiotic spectrum index in the neonatal intensive care unit

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (10) ◽  
pp. 1181-1183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra C. Lahart ◽  
Christopher C. McPherson ◽  
Jeffrey S. Gerber ◽  
Barbara B. Warner ◽  
Brian R. Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Antimicrobial Stewardship ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Very Low Birth Weight ◽  
Antimicrobial Use ◽  
Low Birth Weight Infants ◽  
Antimicrobial Spectrum ◽  
Days Of Therapy ◽  
The Impact

AbstractAntimicrobial stewardship programs typically use days of therapy to assess antimicrobial use. However, this metric does not account for the antimicrobial spectrum of activity. We applied an antibiotic spectrum index to a population of very-low-birth-weight infants to assess its utility to evaluate the impact of antimicrobial stewardship interventions.

scholarly journals Food safety and quality of distribution of raw human milk from a University Hospital

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 547-556
Author(s):  
Marina Aparecida da Silva MORENO ◽  
Lucíola Sant’Anna de CASTRO ◽  
Ana Cristina Freitas de Vilhena ABRÃO ◽  
Kelly Pereira COCA
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Human Milk ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Milk Analysis

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the quality of raw human milk distributed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a University Hospital of the city of São Paulo. Methods A cross-sectional study with raw human milk samples from mothers who attended the Human Milk Collection Station of a University Hospital, analyzed between May 2016 and January 2017, excluding mothers of twins. The quality of the raw human milk was assessed by verifying the presence of dirt, the coloration of the milk, the titratable acidity using the Dornic method, and through its energy content. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used for the analysis of the energy profile and the degree of Dornic acidity, according to the stage of the raw human milk and the gestational age of the child. Results The study was composed of 40 samples of 40 different women, with a mean age of 27 years, an average of 11.8 years of education, most of them were multiparous and with a partner. Regarding milk analysis, 55.0% was classified as colostrum, 27.5% as mature milk and 17.5% as transitional milk. All samples presented negative results for dirt and normal coloration. The mean milk acidity was 3.24º Dornic and most of the samples were classified as hypercaloric energy content. There was no association between the lactation stage and gestational age with the acidity value and energy content. Conclusion The quality of raw human milk distributed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the institution evaluated was considered adequate and the samples analyzed had a high energy content and excellent Dornic acidity.

scholarly journals Analysis of the Risk Factors Associated with Hearing Loss of Infants Admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A 13-Year Experience in a University Hospital in Korea

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (21) ◽  
pp. 8082
Author(s):  
Kyu Young Choi ◽  
Bum Sang Lee ◽  
Hyo Geun Choi ◽  
Su-Kyoung Park
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Brainstem Response

Early detection of hearing loss in neonates is important for normal language development, especially for infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) because the infants in NICU have a higher incidence of hearing loss than healthy infants. However, the risk factors of hearing loss in infants admitted to the NICU have not been fully acknowledged, especially in Korea, although they may vary according to the circumstances of each country and hospital. In this study, the risk factors of hearing loss in NICU infants were analyzed by using the newborn hearing screening (NHS) and the diagnostic auditory brainstem response (ABR) test results from a 13-year period. A retrospective chart review was performed using a list of NICU infants who had performed NHS from 2004 to 2017 (n = 2404) in a university hospital in Korea. For the hearing loss group, the hearing threshold was defined as 35 dB nHL or more in the ABR test performed in infants with a ‘refer’ result in the NHS. A four multiple number of infants who had passed the NHS test and matched the age and gender of the hearing loss group were taken as the control group. Various patient factors and treatment factors were taken as hearing loss related variables and were analyzed and compared. From the 2404 infants involved, the prevalence of hearing loss was 1.8% (n = 43). A comparison between the hearing loss group (n = 43) and the control group (n = 172) revealed that history of sepsis, peak total bilirubin, duration of vancomycin use, days of phototherapy, and exposure to loop-inhibiting diuretics were significantly different, and can be verified as significant risk factors for hearing loss in NICU infants.

scholarly journals The nursing workload assessed through the Nursing Activities Score as a predictor for the occurrence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in an adult intensive care unit

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 104
Author(s):  
Fabiola Alves Gomes ◽  
Denise Von Dolinger de Brito Röder ◽  
Thúlio Marquez Cunha ◽  
Rosângela De Oliveira Felice ◽  
Guilherme Silva Mendonça ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Hospital Costs ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Nursing Workload ◽  
Ventilator Associated Pneumonia ◽  
Adult Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Icu Admission ◽  
Stay Time ◽  
The Impact

Objective: Evaluate the relation of nursing workload, evaluated by the Nursing Activities Score (NAS), with the occurrence of Ventilator-associated Pneumonia (VAP) in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the impact of VAP on hospitalization costs.Methods: Retrospective cohort study in Adult ICU of a high complexity Brazilian university hospital. The profile, outcomes, costs, and daily NAS from patients were collected. We also proposed some workload indicators based on NAS daily evaluation.Results: The study included 195 patients, 27.17% diagnosed with VAP. VAP was more prevalent in patients diagnosed with trauma on admission. The total costs of care were higher for VAP patients. In all multivariate models tested were predictive for VAP: the patient's intubation that occurs in days prior of the ICU admission day (higher risk if occurs in days prior the ICU admission day) and ventilation time prior ICU (higher risk if higher time). We found others predictors, but these were dependent on the model tested. Additional risk predictors were tracheostomy, propofol use, neuromuscular blocker use and the higher NAS from admission. The protective factors found were the percentage of adequacy of the assignment based in NAS that measure if the workload measured by the NAS was offered and the increment in NAS during the ventilation time.Conclusions: The offering of an adequate nursing work scale (adequate number of professionals for the care), as a function of the nursing workload measured by the NAS, could be effective in the reduction of VAP, hospital stay time and hospital costs.

Emotions and Experience of Fathers applying Kangaroo Care in the Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey: A Qualitative Study

2020 ◽  
pp. 105477382093747
Author(s):  
Ulviye Günay ◽  
Didem Coşkun Şimşek
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Eastern Anatolia ◽  
Kangaroo Care ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Parent Role ◽  
Qualitative Descriptive

The aim of this study was to investigate the emotions and experiences of fathers in Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey who applied kangaroo care in the neonatal intensive care unit. This study applied the qualitative descriptive design. The study included 12 fathers at the NICU of a university hospital. The fathers practiced kangaroo care with their babies two times a day for 15 days. Content analysis was then conducted to determine the main themes and sub-themes of the interviews. Three main themes and six sub-themes emerged from the analysis: (1) Emotions of being a father (feeling that the baby belongs to own and feeling the warmth and scent of the baby); (2) Confidence in fathering roles (self-confidence and caring for the baby); and (3) Happiness in the new parent role (seeing the baby calm down, hugging the baby and touching the baby’s skin).

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