Turkish Neonatal Nurses' Knowledge and Practices Regarding the Transition to Oral Feeding in Preterm Infants: A Descriptive, Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

PurposeNeonatal nurses play an important role in preterm infants' safe and successful transition to oral feeding. Little is known about neonatal nurses' knowledge and practices regarding the transition to oral feeding in preterm infants. The aim of this study was to determine neonatal nurses' knowledge levels and clinical practices related to the process of transitioning preterm infants to oral feeding. Design and methodThis descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 275 neonatal nurses working in the neonatal intensive care units of 9 different hospitals in Istanbul, Turkey. Data were collected using a participant demographic form and a questionnaire about the neonatal nurses' knowledge and practices regarding oral feeding. ResultsThe mean knowledge score of the nurses in this study was 64.7 out of 100 (SD = ±8.7; range = 40–87.5). Rates of correct responses were particularly low for items related to cue-based feeding, interventions to promote oral–motor development, non-nutritive sucking, and infant positioning for oral feeding. All of the NICU nurses participating in the study did not use the protocols developed for transitioning preterm infants to oral feeding. ConclusionsNurses need knowledge and practical training on evidence-based therapeutic interventions that promote oral feeding skills in preterm infants during the transition to oral feeding. The use of protocols developed for transitioning preterm infants to oral feeding is limited in NICUs. Practice ImplicationsIn order to facilitate safe and successful feeding, nurses should improve their knowledge and practical skills regarding the transition to oral feeding and evidence-based therapeutic interventions for preterm infants.