Introduction of oral feeding in premature infants on high flow nasal cannula in a level IV neonatal intensive care unit: a quality improvement initiative

期刊论文
发表日期：

2024年5月7日

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Hilal Yildiz Atar,
Rita M. Ryan,
Sheri Ricciardi,
Charlene Nauman,
Madison Pihlblad,
Taylor Forsythe,
Monika Bhola

摘要

Background

Failure to reach full oral feeding remains a significant barrier for premature infants to discharge home. Postmenstrual age (PMA) at first oral feeding is significantly associated with the length of hospital stay (LOS).

Methods

Single-center QI to introduce oral feeding to infants on high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) by reducing the flow to 2 L during feeds.

Global aim

To reduce PMA at first oral feeding and reduce the LOS.

SMART aim

To introduce oral feeds in 40% of infants who are on ≤4 L HFNC by the end of 12 months.

Results

Over 12 months, SMART aim reached with 100% enrollment. PMA at first oral feeding decreased from a median of 42.4w ((IQR) (40,46.6) to 37.8w (35.8,43.2), PMA at discharge decreased from 47w (44.6,50.7) to 42.6w (41.3,48.8).

Conclusion

Allowing oral feeding in infants while on HFNC is feasible. This approach can significantly reduce PMA at first and full oral feeding.