Skin-to-skin contact with an umbilical venous catheter: prospective evaluation in a level 3 unit

Abstract

In this prospective, non-randomized study in a level unit, routine practice of SSC with a UVC does not seem to influence the incidence of mechanical and infectious complications. What is known? • SSC is beneficial for pretem infants. • Fear of mechanical problems and/or infections with a UVC is an obstacle to early use of SSC. What is New: • In this study, SSC for preterm infants with a UVC is associated with low risks of mechanical complications, and does not seem to be associated with any higher risk of catheter-related infections.

A Survey of Neonatal Clinicians' Use, Needs, and Preferences for Kangaroo Care Devices

“…In the free-text response, many clinicians commented on how KC devices were used to secure and stabilize patients with endotracheal tubes, respiratory devices, and/or intravenous lines. These comments are consistent with the increasing trend to implement KC with complex, critically ill neonates, including extremely low birth-weight,33 intubated infants34,35 who may also have central lines 36. There is also an increasing need to address risks that have been previously attributed to KC, including accidental falls,37–39 sudden unexpected postnatal collapse,40,41 and dislodgement of equipment or unplanned extubation 34,35,42.…”

“…Device training should highlight features like the visibility of the infant, material composition and warmth, unisex options (male/female), accessibility for breastfeeding/pumping interventions, and the infant's weight limit, to ensure safe use with the intended population. For instance, if KC with umbilical lines is a new NICU initiative and frequent monitoring is needed, the device design, fabric, and color should allow the clinician to easily assess and access the infant if there is bleeding, equipment is leaking, or the KC position needs adjusted 36. Wet stains from blood or leaking equipment are more difficult to visualize on darker fabrics (eg, black and navy) 50.…”

“…These comments are consistent with the increasing trend to implement KC with complex, critically ill neonates, including extremely low birth-weight, 33 intubated infants 34,35 who may also have central lines. 36 There is also an increasing need to address risks that have been previously attributed to KC, including accidental falls, [37][38][39] sudden unexpected postnatal collapse, 40,41 and dislodgement of equipment or unplanned extubation. 34,35,42 Lowering risk associated with KC is just one of the reasons why many hospitals are promoting KC devices.…”

“…For instance, if KC with umbilical lines is a new NICU initiative and frequent monitoring is needed, the device design, fabric, and color should allow the clinician to easily assess and access the infant if there is bleeding, equipment is leaking, or the KC position needs adjusted. 36 Wet stains from blood or leaking equipment are more difficult to…”

A Quality Improvement Project to Increase Frequency of Skin-to-Skin Contact for Extreme Low-Birth-Weight Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

“…1,[30][31][32] Yet, research found no difference between ventilated and nonventilated infants who received SSC or those receiving SSC with umbilical venous line access. 15,16,19,30,32 Other barriers include concerns regarding the time to physically carry out SSC, nursing skill and comfort level with the provision of SSC, and variations in practice protocols with restrictions requiring provider order to implement SSC. 1,6,15,16,19,30 Implementation of a structured educational program and SSC protocol has improved nurses' comfort, attitudes, and competency on the importance of SSC.…”