Individualized Family-Centered Developmental Care for Infants With Congenital Heart Disease in the Intensive Care Unit

Background Individualized family-centered developmental care (IFDC) is considered the standard of care for premature/medically fragile newborns and their families in intensive care units (ICUs). Such care for infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) varies. Objective The Consortium for Congenital Cardiac Care– Measurement of Nursing Practice (C4-MNP) was surveyed to determine the state of IFDC for infants younger than 6 months with CHD in ICUs. Methods An electronic survey was disseminated to 1 nurse at each participating center. The survey included questions on IFDC-related nursing practice, organized in 4 sections: demographics, nursing practice, interdisciplinary practice, and parent support. Data were summarized by using descriptive statistics. Differences in IFDC practices and IFDC-related education were assessed, and practices were compared across 3 clinical scenarios of varying infant acuity by using the χ2 test. Results The response rate was 66% (25 centers). Most respondents (72%) did not have IFDC guidelines; 63% incorporated IFDC interventions and 67% documented IFDC practices. Only 29% reported that their ICU had a neurodevelopmental team. Significant differences were reported across the 3 clinical scenarios for 11 of 14 IFDC practices. Skin-to-skin holding was provided least often across all levels of acuity. Nurse education related to IFDC was associated with more use of IFDC (P < .05). Conclusion Practices related to IFDC vary among ICUs. Opportunities exist to develop IFDC guidelines for infants with CHD to inform clinical practice and nurse education. Next steps include convening a C4-MNP group to develop guidelines and implement IFDC initiatives for collaborative evaluation.

Surveying family access: kangaroo mother care and breastfeeding policies across NICUs in Italy

Background Studies on the application of developmental care initiatives in Italian NICUs are rather scarce. We aimed to assess parental access to the NICUs and facilities offered to the family members and to test “the state of art” regarding kangaroo mother care (KMC) and breastfeeding policies in level III Italian NICUs. Methods A questionnaire both in paper and in electronic format was sent to all 106 Italian level III NICUs; 86 NICUs (i.e., 80% of NICUs) were completed and returned. The collected data were analysed. In addition, a comparison between the 2017 survey results and those of two previous surveys conducted from 2001 to 2006 was performed. Results In total, 53 NICUs (62%) reported 24-h open access for both parents (vs. 35% in 2001 and 32% in 2006). Parents were requested to temporarily leave the unit during shift changes, emergencies and medical rounds in 55 NICUs (64%). Some parental amenities, such as an armchair next to the crib (81 units (94%)), a room for pumping milk and a waiting room, were common, but others, such as family rooms (19 units (22%)) and adjoining accommodation (30 units (35%)), were not. KMC was practised in 81 (94%) units, but in 72 (62%), i.e., the majority of units, KMC was limited to specific times. In 11 (13%) NICUs, KMC was not offered to the father. The average duration of a KMC session, based on unit staff estimation, was longer in 24-h access NICUs than in limited-access NICUs. KMC documentation in medical records was reported in only 59% of questionnaires. Breastfeeding was successful in a small proportion of preterm infants staying in the NICU. Conclusion The number of 24-h access NICUs doubled over a period of 13 years. Some basic family facilities, such as a dedicated kitchen, rooms with dedicated beds and showers for the parents, remain uncommon. KMC and breastfeeding have become routine practices; however, the frequency and duration of KMC sessions reported by NICU professionals still do not meet the WHO recommendations.

A Peer and Volunteer Program for Patients and Their Families in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Pilot Program Evaluation

Introduction: Patients in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) are at risk of developing long-term morbidities following recovery from their critical illness. One such health outcome is called post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). PICS in pediatrics may be mitigated by interventions that facilitate adjustment to the PICU setting.Methods: The PICU implemented a two-pronged Peer and Volunteer (P/V) Program to help: (a) families adjust to the PICU experience with the support of a peer mentor (PM); and (b) patients receive non-medical interaction from trained volunteers (V). We designed a mixed-methods program evaluation targeting perspectives and feedback from PICU families and healthcare professionals (HCPs).Results: All stakeholder groups agreed that the PICU P/V Program was a valuable resource for PICU patients and their families. HCPs reported that they lack both time and training to provide regular developmental care to patients. However, the P/V Program may influence both families' and HCP's confidence in their ability to offer non-medical interaction to children in the PICU.Discussion: Important initial and on-going strengths and barriers to successful implementation were identified, including the need to clarify roles and intervention scope. The program evaluation served as a change management strategy and also helped to identify both areas for improvement and strategies for on-going sustainability. HCP's exposure to the program and modeling by PMs may have helped HCPs to feel that it is within their job description and capacity to provide emotional support and guidance to families.

A clinical case of the uterine complete rupture along with the previous scar during pregnancy with atypical clinical features

This article presents an unusual case of rupture of the scarred uterus at 36-37 weeks of gestation. The patient presented with pain in the pubic and hip joint area, growing stronger while her walking, seated and changing position. No clinical manifestations of hemorrhagic shock were observed. External obstetric examination revealed a normotonic uterus and satisfactory fetus condition. Provocation tests were conducted to exclude subluxation of the pubic joint. Pubic symphysis diastasis palpation, long dorsal sacroiliac ligament palpation, P4 test, Patricks test, and the modified Trendelenburg test were negative. Pelvic examination revealed sharp pain in lower uterus segment. Ultrasound scan revealed deformation and thinning of the scar up to 1 mm, and no abnormalities in pubic symphysis. A threatening uterine rupture was diagnosed, and emergency cesarean section was performed. Intraoperative examination showed that the scar located in the lower segment consisted of connective tissue. In addition, there was a 4 5 cm scar defect with the overlying amniotic sac, no hemorrhage being noted. After removing the fetus, scar excision was performed. The uterine defect was repaired with a double layer running-locking suture. The patient was discharged from hospital on day 5 of postpartum period. The infant was exposed in the neonatal intensive care unit to provide an early developmental care.