Enhancing Sensory Experiences for Infants Born Preterm: A Quality Improvement Project

Abstract

ObjectiveTo enhance neonatal sensory experiences for infants born preterm: a quality improvement project. DesignThis was a time-interruption quality improvement project. The time-interruption lasted four weeks with an eight-week data collection period before and after. Baseline data were collected on current program use for eight weeks prior to the time-interruption. The NICU occupational therapist provided staff education, training, and modeling of SENSE during the time-interruption. Data were collected for eight weeks following the time-interruption to track improvements. ParticipantsTwenty infants and their families participated as well as NICU nurses who provided positive sensory experiences and completed surveys. Main Outcome MeasuresData related to delivery of, education on, and adherence to SENSE were collected before, during, and after the time-interruption. Staff surveys were completed pre- and post- education, training, and modeling to gather perspectives on program usage. ResultsOn average, parents delivered 43.88 minutes of positive sensory input per day before the time-interruption and increased to 92.7 minutes per day after the time-interruption. Positive tactile recommendations were met, on average, 19% of the time before the time-interruption and 47% of the time after the time-interruption. After education, training and modeling, nursing staff unanimously supported the program according to surveys. ConclusionsWhile a higher percentage of infants received the recommended dosage of positive tactile input after intervention, opportunities still exist to improve and expand implementation.