Moral Distress and Burnout in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Healthcare Providers: A Cross-Sectional Study in Italy.

Moral distress (MD) in healthcare providers is widely recognized as a serious issue in critical care contexts. It has the potential to have negative impacts on both personal and professional wellbeing, the quality of care provided and staff turnover. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between MD and burnout among neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) healthcare professionals and identify the possible factors associated with its occurrence. Participants were asked to complete an online survey, which covered sociodemographic and professional information and included two self-report questionnaires (Italian Moral Distress Scale-Revised and Maslach Burnout Inventory). The sample comprised 115 healthcare providers (nurses and physiotherapists: 66.1%; physicians: 30.4%; healthcare assistants: 3.5%) working in four NICUs located within the province of Turin, Italy. The results revealed overall low levels of MD, with no significant differences between nurses/physiotherapists and physicians. Nurses/physiotherapists showed a statistically significant higher percentage of personal accomplishment burnout (32.9%) compared with physicians (8.6%; p = 0.012). MD was associated with the emotional exhaustion dimension of burnout. Spirituality and/or religiousness was shown to be a moderating variable. Further research is needed to deepen our understanding of the correlation between MD and burnout and the role of spirituality and/or religiousness as moderators.

Pre-discharge Cardiorespiratory Monitoring in Preterm Infants. the CORE Study.

Objective: Ensuring cardiorespiratory (CR) stability is essential for a safe discharge. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a new pre-discharge protocol named CORE on the risk of hospital readmission (RHR). Methods: Preterm infants admitted in our NICU between 2015 and 2018 were randomly assigned to CORE (exposed) or to standard (not-exposed) discharge protocol. CORE included 24 h-clinical observation, followed by 24 h-instrumental CR monitoring only for high-risk infants. RHR 12 months after discharge and length of stay represent the primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. Results: Three hundred and twenty three preterm infants were enrolled. Exposed infants had a lower RHR (log-rank p < 0.05). The difference was especially marked 3 months after discharge (9.09 vs. 21.6%; p = 0.004). The hospital length of stay in exposed and not-exposed infants was 39(26-58) and 43(26-68) days, respectively (p = 0.16). Conclusions: The CORE protocol could help neonatologists to define the best timing for discharge reducing RHR without lengthening hospital stay.

OC16 - Calculation skills and e-learning platform: study pre-post test on students of paediatric nursing in Italy.

UNLABELLED: Theme: Child protection and managing risk. Errors in medication is a very recurring problem in paediatric units and for that reason paediatric nursing students have to possess good mathematical skills (Doherty C, 2012). It is important to evaluate these competences during their university nursing degree (Harvey 2009). This problem has been discussed and it was subsequently decided to introduce 'Clinical and Practical pharmacology' lessons like a mandatory subject. AIM: Evaluate the paediatric nursing students learning curve before and after 'Clinical and Practical pharmacology' lessons, job placement and through an e-learning platform. METHODS: A before and after experimental study, using a non-randomized test, administered at different academic phases was used. RESULTS: Learning curve had an increase from 54.09 % to 82.65 %. In particular, that result is significant before 'Clinical and Practical pharmacology' lessons and at final test (p<0.00578). CONCLUSION: These study results are helpful for increased training action and to develop a customized e-learning platform.