Effectiveness of Cue-Based Feeding to Improve Time to Nipple Feed and Time to Discharge in Very Low Birth Weight Infants

Abstract

Feeding readiness is a requirement to be discharged from the NICU. Assessing readiness for feeding can be subjective and without structure. Cue-based feeding offers a more objective and individually tailored approach to assess feeding in neonates. The literature on cue-based feeding is lacking and has variable results. This study of over 500 patients in a level III NICU offers additional data on the subject for very low birth weight neonates. Additionally, we show how this method can get very low birthweight neonates transitioning to PO faster and getting discharged sooner. Improvement in these outcomes can decrease adverse outcomes associated with hospital stays and decrease the financial burden on families and hospital systems.