Improving Safe Sleep Environments for Well Newborns in the Hospital Setting

Abstract

Following the "Back to Sleep" campaign, deaths from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) were reduced. However, SIDS and sleep-related deaths continue to occur. Studies demonstrate that modeling by health care workers influences parents to place infants supine for sleep. Recently, additional emphasis has been placed on environment. The purpose of this study was to improve sleep position and environment in the hospital. A Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle was initiated. Sleeping infants were observed at baseline. A bundled intervention was implemented; infants were again observed. Parents were surveyed. At baseline, 25% (36/144) of sleeping infants were safe; the majority of unsafe sleep was a result of environment. Postintervention, significantly more (58%; 145/249) had safe sleep (P < .0001). Most parents planned to use the supine position (95%; 96/101); none planned to cosleep. Many intended to adjust their infants' home sleep environment. Using a multifaceted approach significantly improved infant safe sleep practice in the hospital setting.