Practical use of telemedicine in the chronically ventilated infant.

Telemedicine, or the use of electronic communication technology to improve patient health, is becoming more widely adopted as a means of bringing together patients, providers and family members to facilitate evaluation, monitoring, diagnosis and treatment. A particularly vulnerable group consists of children with dependence on technology, such as chronic mechanical ventilation. This chapter will provide an overview of how telehealth technology is currently being used, for supporting this patient population through 1) inpatient support 2) integration with the medical home 3) bridging care transitions 4) remote patient management and 5) multispecialty consultations. We will also discuss the impact on quality and cost, the current research environment and practical points for implementation into clinical practice.

Improving nursing knowledge and care for neonates with respiratory distress in Jordan.

AIM: This study evaluates the effectiveness of an educational intervention in the area of nursing knowledge and practice relating to neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. BACKGROUND: In Jordan, respiratory distress is the leading cause of death among neonates. Recent studies have revealed a knowledge deficit relating to respiratory distress among nurses in neonatal intensive care units, hence the need for advanced training and specialization in this area. METHODS: A quasi-experimental, repeated-measures, one-group pre-test-post-test design was used to assess the effectiveness of the educational intervention. A convenience sample of 48 nurses was recruited from three hospitals in northern Jordan. A self-reporting questionnaire was used to assess the respondents' knowledge of respiratory distress and an observational checklist to assess their practice. The study intervention consisted of 12 two-hour lecture-based interactive teaching sessions lasting 4 weeks. A follow-up assessment was conducted 1 month after the post-test. RESULTS: The baseline assessment revealed that more than half of the nurses scored low on knowledge and the majority scored low on practice. One-way repeated ANOVA showed that post-test and follow-up test scores on nursing knowledge and practice were significantly higher than the baseline scores. CONCLUSION: The study findings show the efficacy of educational interventions in enhancing nursing knowledge and practice relating to the care of neonates with respiratory distress. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY: For neonatal nurses, periodic teaching and training interventions are essential to ensuring the quality nursing care required to reduce morbidity and mortality rates among neonates. Health policymakers should support nurses in pursuing educational opportunities aimed at enhancing their knowledge of advanced neonate care.

Continuous positive pressure on aircraft in neonates: care provided by the nursing team / Presión positiva continua en las vías aéreas en neonatos: cuidados prestados por el equipo de enfermería / Pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas em neonatos: cuidados prestados pela equipe de enfermagem

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe the nursing care of the neonate in continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) with prong analyzing them in the light of the systematization of nursing care / process. Method: Descriptive research, qualitative approach. We interviewed 30 nursing professionals from the neonatal intensive and intermediate care units of a school hospital in Maceió / Alagoas, from August / 2016 to January / 2017, through a semi-structured interview, in the light of Bardin's content analysis. Results: Although unit nurses are aware of the use of CPAP and the care associated with this therapy, mid-level professionals still find it difficult to systematize systematized knowledge about the system. The tripod's correlation between CPAP, the formation of nasal lesions and the assistance provided was highlighted. Conclusion: It is necessary to carry out training, such as raising the awareness of professionals about the importance of keeping records up to date and applying protocols.

RESUMEN Objetivo: describir los cuidados de enfermería al neonato en presión positiva continua en las vías aéreas (CPAP) con preñez analizándolos a la luz de la sistematización de la asistencia / proceso de enfermería. Método: Investigación descriptiva, enfoque cualitativo. Se entrevistó a 30 profesionales de enfermería de las unidades de terapia intensiva e intermedia neonatales de un hospital escuela de Maceió / Alagoas, de agosto / 2016 a enero / 2017, a través de una entrevista semiestructurada, a la luz del análisis de contenido de Bardin. Resultados: Aunque los enfermeros de las unidades tienen el conocimiento sobre el uso de la CPAP y los cuidados inherentes a esa terapéutica, los profesionales de nivel medio todavía sienten dificultades en enumerar de forma sistematizada conocimientos sobre el sistema. Se destacó la correlación del trípode entre la CPAP, la formación de lesiones nasales y la asistencia prestada. Conclusión: Se hace necesaria la realización de capacitaciones, como sensibilización de los profesionales acerca de la importancia del mantenimiento actualizado de los registros y aplicación de protocolos.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever os cuidados de enfermagem ao neonato em pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas (CPAP) com pronga, analisando-os à luz da sistematização da assistência/processo de enfermagem. Método: Pesquisa descritiva, abordagem qualitativa. Foram entrevistados 30 profissionais de enfermagem das unidades de terapia intensiva e intermediária neonatais de um hospital escola de Maceió/Alagoas, de agosto/2016 a janeiro/2017, através de entrevista semiestruturada, à luz da análise de conteúdo de Bardin. Resultados: Embora os enfermeiros das unidades tenham o conhecimento sobre o uso da CPAP e os cuidados inerentes a essa terapêutica, os profissionais de nível médio ainda sentem dificuldades em elencar de forma sistematizada conhecimentos sobre o sistema. Destacou-se a correlação do tripé entre a CPAP, a formação de lesões nasais e a assistência prestada. Conclusão: Faz-se necessária a realização de capacitações, como sensibilização dos profissionais acerca da importância da manutenção atualizada dos registros e aplicação de protocolos.

Evaluation of 'TRY': an algorithm for neonatal continuous positive airways pressure in low-income settings.

BACKGROUND: Non-invasive respiratory support using bubble continuous positive airway pressure (bCPAP) is useful in treating babies with respiratory distress syndrome. Despite its proven clinical and cost-effectiveness, implementation is hampered by the inappropriate administration of bCPAP in low-resource settings. A clinical algorithm-'TRY' (based on Tone: good; Respiratory distress; Yes, heart rate above 100 beats/min)-has been developed to correctly identify which newborns would benefit most from bCPAP in a teaching hospital in Malawi. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reliability, sensitivity and specificity of TRY when employed by nurses in a Malawian district hospital. METHODS: Nursing staff in a Malawian district hospital baby unit were asked, over a 2-month period, to complete TRY assessments for every newly admitted baby with the following inclusion criteria: clinical evidence of respiratory distress and/or birth weight less than 1.3 kg. A visiting paediatrician, blinded to nurses' assessments, concurrently assessed each baby, providing both a TRY assessment and a clinical decision regarding the need for CPAP administration. Inter-rater reliability was calculated comparing nursing and paediatrician TRY assessment outcomes. Sensitivity and specificity were estimated comparing nurse TRY assessments against the paediatrician's clinical decision. RESULTS: Two hundred and eighty-seven infants were admitted during the study period; 145 (51%) of these met the inclusion criteria, and of these 57 (39%) received joint assessments. The inter-rater reliability was high (kappa 0.822). Sensitivity and specificity were 92% and 96%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: District hospital nurses, using the TRY-CPAP algorithm, reliably identified babies that might benefit from bCPAP and thus improved its effective implementation.

Care of the Neonate on Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure: A Bedside Guide.

Respiratory distress continues to be a major cause of neonatal morbidity. Current neonatal practice recommends the use of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) in the immediate resuscitation and continued support of neonates of all gestations with clinical manifestations of respiratory distress. Despite the many short- and long-term benefits of nCPAP, many neonatal care units have met resistance in its routine use. Although there have been numerous recent publications investigating the use and outcomes of various modes of nCPAP delivery, surfactant administration, mechanical ventilation, and other forms of noninvasive respiratory support (high-flow nasal cannula, nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation), there has been a relative lack of publications addressing the practical bedside care of infants managed on nCPAP. Effective use of nCPAP requires a coordinated interprofessional team approach, ongoing assessment of the neonate, troubleshooting the nCPAP circuit, and parent education.

Delivery room continuous positive airway pressure and early pneumothorax in term newborn infants.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between delivery room (DR) continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and pneumothorax (PT) in term newborns. METHODS: Two studies performed in community hospitals used data extracted from computerized records of term newborns. Infants receiving positive pressure ventilation in the DR were excluded. Tabulated data included receipt of DR CPAP, PT on the day of birth, and gestational age (GA). In a case-control study from 2001-2013, infants with PT were compared to controls without PT but with respiratory distress or hypoxia persisting from birth for receipt of DR CPAP. In a cohort study from 2014-2016, infants receiving and not receiving DR CPAP were compared for the incidence of PT. RESULTS: In the case-control study, data were obtained for 169 cases and 850 controls. Compared to controls, PT infants were more likely to have received DR CPAP (16.8% vs. 40.2%, respectively, P < 0.001). Logistic regression revealed DR CPAP (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 3.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.31, 4.72, P < 0.001) and GA (AOR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.05, 1.39, P = 0.009) to be independent predictors of early PT.In the cohort study, PT was observed in 0.1% of 9255 control infants not receiving DR CPAP and 4.8% of 228 infants receiving DR CPAP (P < 0.001). In logistic regression analyses, DR CPAP significantly predicted PT (OR = 59.59, 95% CI = 23.34, 147.12, P < 0.001) and remained a significant predictor of PT after controlling for gestational age. CONCLUSION: Respiratory conditions treated with CPAP in delivery rooms are associated with increased risk of PT. A cause-and-effect relationship between CPAP and PT cannot be claimed in this study. Further research is needed to better understand this relationship.

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Within and Beyond the Neonatal Unit.

BACKGROUND: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), also known as chronic lung disease of prematurity or chronic neonatal lung disease, is a major cause of respiratory illness in premature babies. Newborn babies survive at gestational ages of 23 to 26 weeks, earlier than when BPD was first described. New mechanisms of lung injury have therefore emerged and the clinical and pathological characteristics of pulmonary involvement have changed. PURPOSE: Improved neonatal intensive care unit modalities have increased survival rates; the overall prevalence of the condition, however, has not changed. Management of evolving BPD aims at minimizing lung injury. Management of established, especially severe BPD, still poses significant clinical challenge as these babies need long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) for variable length of time. We aim to give an overview of management of established BPD with particular focus on weaning home oxygen therapy at our local center in the United Kingdom. SEARCH AND RESULTS: On the basis of most recent evidence, we concluded that an integrated pathway for managing babies on LTOT is very important after discharge from neonatal unit. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: A structured weaning pathway for premature babies on home oxygen improves outcome. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: The management of severe BPD and related complications, particularly during the first 2 years of life, remains a continuing challenge for parents and healthcare providers. The most beneficial respiratory support strategy to minimize lung injury and/or promote lung healing remains unclear and requires further investigation.

Breastfeeding and delivery room neonatal collapse.

Sudden unexpected neonatal collapse in the delivery room is a rare occurrence in healthy term infants. Upper airway obstruction may occur from improper positioning of the newborn even while breastfeeding. Such occlusion may have dire consequences if not recognized immediately. We report 2 healthy term neonates who suffered respiratory arrest while in the mother's arms and attempting breastfeeding. In each case, rapid response by the delivery room nurse averted tragedy. Metabolic and infectious evaluations were unremarkable. Both babies have been well on subsequent examinations. We conclude that proper education of mothers and safe positioning of neonates is critical during the initiation of breastfeeding.

Quality improvement project: implementing guidelines supporting noninvasive respiratory management for premature infants.

PURPOSE: Based on research evidence, the purpose was to implement noninvasive approaches in the initial respiratory stabilization of preterm infants. DESIGN: Quality improvement project. SAMPLE: One hundred fourteen infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care nursery (NICN) from January 1, 2012 to May 31, 2012 served as a historical control group. Ninety-four infants admitted from January 1, 2013 to May 31, 2013 served as the intervention group. RESULTS: After implementation of the quality improvement initiative, there was a statistically significant increase in the rate of using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP ) by 65.3 percent for initial respiratory stabilization of preterm infants.

Managing common neonatal respiratory conditions during transport.

As neonatal care in the tertiary setting advances, neonatal transport teams are challenged with incorporating these innovations into their work environment. One of the largest areas of advancement over the last decade involves respiratory support and management. Many major respiratory treatments and the equipment required have been adapted for transport, whereas others are not yet feasible. This article reviews the history of respiratory management during neonatal transport and discusses current methodologies and innovations in transport respiratory management.

Jeune syndrome: considerations for management of asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy.

Jeune syndrome (JS), or asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy, is a rare genetic disorder characterized by a small, narrow thorax, with associated shortening of limbs. Children with JS present with variable degrees of respiratory distress, frequently lethal in the neonatal period. Other associated complications include renal, hepatic, gastrointestinal, and retinal dysfunction. Management focuses on stabilization and support of respiratory function. Treatment may be palliative in nature or corrective. In recent years, the advance in surgical treatment of the thoracic hypoplasia in JS offers hope to those families with a child suffering from the syndrome. Even with increased research into treatment of this disorder, prognosis is usually poor. Comorbidities associated with JS lead to serious organ dysfunction in later years. Families who have a child with JS need genetic counseling and education focusing on the seriousness of the disorder, the risks and benefits of treatment, and the lifelong needs of those with JS.

Understanding neonatal ventilation: strategies for decision making in the NICU.

Neonatal ventilation is an integral component of care delivered in the neonatal unit. The aim of any ventilation strategy is to support the neonate's respiratory system during compromise while limiting any long-term damage to the lungs. Understanding the principles behind neonatal ventilation is essential so that health professionals caring for sick neonates and families have the necessary knowledge to understand best practice. Given the range of existing ventilation modes and parameters available, these require explanation and clarification in the context of current evidence. Many factors can influence clinical decision making on both an individual level and within the wider perspective of neonatal care.