Dutch Neonatal Intensive Care Units Research Articles

Central-line-associated bloodstream infection burden among Dutch neonatal intensive care units

The establishment of an epidemiological overview provides valuable insights needed for the (future) dissemination of infection-prevention initiatives. To describe the nationwide epidemiology of central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) among Dutch Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). Data from 2935 neonates born at <32 weeks' gestation and/or with a birth weight <1500g admitted to all nine Dutch NICUs over a two-year surveillance period (2019-2020) were analysed. Variations in baseline characteristics, CLABSI incidence per 1000 central-line days, pathogen distribution and CLABSI care bundles were evaluated. Multi-variable logistic mixed-modelling was used to identify significant predictors for CLABSI. A total of 1699 (58%) neonates received a central line, in which 160 CLABSI episodes were recorded. Coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most common infecting organisms of all CLABSI episodes (N=100, 63%). An almost six-fold difference in the CLABSI incidence between participating units was found (2.91-16.14 per 1000 line-days). Logistic mixed-modelling revealed longer central line dwell-time (adjusted odds ratio (aOR):1.08, P<0.001), umbilical lines (aOR:1.85, P=0.03) and single rooms (aOR:3.63, P=0.02) to be significant predictors of CLABSI. Variations in bundle elements included intravenous tubing care and antibiotic prophylaxis. CLABSI remains a common problem in preterm infants in The Netherlands, with substantial variation in incidence between centres. Being the largest collection of data on the burden of neonatal CLABSI in The Netherlands, this epidemiological overview provides a solid foundation for the development of a collaborative platform for continuous surveillance, ideally leading to refinement of national evidence-based guidelines. Future efforts should focus on ensuring availability and extraction of routine patient data in aggregated formats.

Birth weight discordance in very and extremely preterm twins and the risk of neonatal hearing loss

ObjectiveBirth weight (BW) discordant twins have an increased risk of mortality and morbidity. We aimed to study the effect of BW discordance on the risk of neonatal hearing loss (NHL) in very and extremely preterm twins. Study designResults of the nationwide newborn hearing screening program in Dutch Neonatal Intensive Care Units and diagnostic examination were centrally registered between 2003 and 2021 and included in this study. We selected twins and singletons with a gestational age (GA) 24- < 32 weeks. Logistic regression analyses were applied to study the effect of BW discordance on the risk of NHL adjusted for BW, GA and sex. Singletons and concordant twins, defined as a BW discordance of ≤20 %, were used as two reference groups. BW discordance was further categorized as medium (>20–30 %) and high (>30 %). ResultsIn total, 3430 twins (2694 concordant, 428 medium and 308 high BW discordant), and 23,114 singletons were available. Smaller newborns of high BW discordant twins showed an increased risk of NHL compared to singletons (adjusted odds ratio with 95 % confidence interval was 3.56 (2.26–5.60)). Also, smaller newborns of medium and high BW discordant twins showed an increased risk of NHL compared to concordant twins (adjusted odds ratio with 95 % confidence interval were 1.97 (1.13–3.44) and 4.17 (2.56–6.82), respectively). No other statistically significant differences were found. ConclusionBW discordance increased the risk of NHL in the smaller of the twin born very or extremely preterm. This risk increased as the weight difference increased.

Rapid exome sequencing as a first-tier test in neonates with suspected genetic disorder: results of a prospective multicenter clinical utility study in the Netherlands

The introduction of rapid exome sequencing (rES) for critically ill neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit has made it possible to impact clinical decision-making. Unbiased prospective studies to quantify the impact of rES over routine genetic testing are, however, scarce. We performed a clinical utility study to compare rES to conventional genetic diagnostic workup for critically ill neonates with suspected genetic disorders. In a multicenter prospective parallel cohort study involving five Dutch NICUs, we performed rES in parallel to routine genetic testing for 60 neonates with a suspected genetic disorder and monitored diagnostic yield and the time to diagnosis. To assess the economic impact of rES, healthcare resource use was collected for all neonates. rES detected more conclusive genetic diagnoses than routine genetic testing (20% vs. 10%, respectively), in a significantly shorter time to diagnosis (15 days (95% CI 10–20) vs. 59 days (95% CI 23–98, p < 0.001)). Moreover, rES reduced genetic diagnostic costs by 1.5% (€85 per neonate).Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate the clinical utility of rES for critically ill neonates based on increased diagnostic yield, shorter time to diagnosis, and net healthcare savings. Our observations warrant the widespread implementation of rES as first-tier genetic test in critically ill neonates with disorders of suspected genetic origin.What is Known:• Rapid exome sequencing (rES) enables diagnosing rare genetic disorders in a fast and reliable manner, but retrospective studies with neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) indicated that genetic disorders are likely underdiagnosed as rES is not routinely used.• Scenario modeling for implementation of rES for neonates with presumed genetic disorders indicated an expected increase in costs associated with genetic testing.What is New:• This unique prospective national clinical utility study of rES in a NICU setting shows that rES obtained more and faster diagnoses than conventional genetic tests.• Implementation of rES as replacement for all other genetic tests does not increase healthcare costs but in fact leads to a reduction in healthcare costs.

Development of Best Evidence Dosing Recommendations for Term and Preterm Neonates (NeoDose Project)

: Many drugs are used off-label in neonates which leads to large variation in prescribed drugs and dosages in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The NeoDose project aimed to develop best evidence dosing recommendations (DRs) for term and preterm neonates using a three-step approach: 1) drug selection, 2) establishing consensus-based DRs, and 3) establishing best evidence DRs. Methods: The selection of drugs was based on frequency of prescribing, availability of a neonatal DR in the Dutch Pediatric Formulary, and the labeling status. Clinical need, pharmacological diversity, and Working Group Neonatal Pharmacology (WGNP) preferences were also taken into account, using a consensus-based approach. For the second step, we requested local dosing protocols from all ten Dutch NICUs and established consensus-based DRs within the WGNP, consisting of neonatologists, clinical pharmacologists, hospital pharmacists, and researchers. In the third step, the consensus-based DRs were compared with the available literature, using standardized PubMed searches. Results: Fourteen drugs were selected for which the local dosing protocols were collected. These protocols differed mostly in total daily dose, dosing frequency, and/or route of administration. Strikingly, almost none of the dosing protocols of these 14 drugs distinguished between preterm and term neonates. The working group established consensus-based DRs, which after literature review needed modification in 56%, mainly in terms of a dose increase. Finally, we established 37 best evidence DRs, 22 for preterm and 15 for term neonates, representing 19 indications. Conclusion: This project showed the successful three-step approach for the development of DRs for term and preterm neonates.

Implementation of Nationwide Evidence- and Consensus-Based Guidelines to Harmonize Neonatal Care in The Netherlands

BackgroundA Dutch committee for National Guidelines in Neonatology developed nineteen evidence- and consensus-based guidelines to be used in all Dutch neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The primary goal was to make clinical practices more uniform and consistent.ObjectiveThis study investigated to what extent the guidelines were implemented and which factors played a role in implementation.Study designA mixed method study design was used to investigate both the level and the process of implementation. A nationwide, multicenter, cross-sectional survey was performed using a validated instrument for measuring the level of implementation (Normalization MeAsure Development questionnaire, NoMAD). The number of implemented guidelines per NICU and the frequency and content of the amendments that NICUs made to the original consensus guidelines were analyzed. Through semi-structured interviews, perceived barriers and facilitators for implementation were explored.ParticipantsFellows and neonatologists working at all ten Dutch level 3–4 NICUs were eligible.ResultsOn an average, NICUs implemented 12.6 (of 19) guidelines (range 6–17). The Normalization Process Scale was 54 (of 65). Main influencing factors impeding implementation were guideline-related (e.g., unpractical, lengthy guidelines) and personal (e.g., an active representative responsible for local implementation).ConclusionThe implementation of our guidelines appears to be successful. Ways for improvement can be distinguished in personal, guideline-related and external factors. Empowerment of local representatives was considered most essential.Electronic Supplementary MaterialSupplementary material is available in the online version of this article at 10.1007/s13312-022-2516-3.

Variation in vancomycin dosing and therapeutic drug monitoring practices in neonatal intensive care units.

Background Vancomycin is a frequently used antibiotic in neonates. However, there is no consensus guideline on the optimal dosing regimen and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) practices in this patient population. Objective To document the variability in the current dosing and TDM practices in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Setting Belgian and Dutch NICUs. Method An online questionnaire was disseminated by e-mail to potential respondents. Main outcome measure Differences in vancomycin dosing and TDM practices in comparison with a reference source, the Dutch Paediatric Formulary. Results Eighteen NICUs (response rate 62%) participated. Eleven different dosing regimens are applied, with 83% using intermittent dosing regimens. Stratifying covariates used to determine the (initial) dosage include gestational age, postnatal age, serum creatinine, concurrent use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, birth weight and current weight. Large variability is observed with regard to TDM practice as well, both for the concentration target range and the times of (re)sampling. Dosing calculators are more commonly used in the Netherlands than Belgium. Conclusion Significant inter-centre variability in dosing and TDM practices was found. The development of international consensus guidelines is required to optimize therapy. Dosing calculators to guide dosing are not yet considered as part of standard-of-care.

COVID-19 lockdown impacts the wellbeing of parents with infants on a Dutch neonatal intensive care unit

PurposeParents of infants admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) experience additional stress due to restrictions on their presence and visits by other family members during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study aims to describe how this impacted parents and how NICU staff could support them. Design and methodsThis was a cross-sectional study in which 25 parents (16 mothers, 9 fathers) of infants admitted to our NICU during the first COVID-19 lockdown completed online questionnaires with socio-demographic questions, the Parental Stressor Scale:NICU (PSS:NICU) and questions related to COVID-19. ResultsBeing separated from, and not being able to hold their infant at all times were among the most important PSS:NICU stressors. Parents experienced additional stress because other family members were not allowed to visit. They indicated that NICU staff could support them by clearly explaining the reasons for visitor restrictions and by ensuring that they felt heard. Most parents supported the restrictions, but also mentioned that less strict measures would really help them. ConclusionsParents who participated in this study found it very stressful that they could not be with their infant together with their partner and other family members. Furthermore, parents recommended the hospital management to continuously reconsider whether particular restrictions could be lifted in case of a new lockdown. Together with clear communication, this would result in less parenteral stress. Practice implicationsHospital management should be cautious on restricting the presence of parents and other family members and scale restrictions back whenever possible.

Parents’ needs and perceived gaps in communication with healthcare professionals in the neonatal (intensive) care unit: A qualitative interview study

ObjectiveTo explore parents’ needs and perceived gaps concerning communication with healthcare professionals during their preterm infants’ admission to the neonatal (intensive) care unit (NICU) after birth. MethodsSemi-structured, retrospective interviews with 20 parents of preterm infants (March 2020), admitted to a Dutch NICU (level 2–4) minimally one week, one to five years prior. The interview guide was developed using Epstein and Street’s Framework for Patient-Centered Communication. Online interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Deductive and inductive thematic analysis was performed by two independent coders. ResultsCommunication needs and gaps emerged across four main functions of NICU communication: Building/maintaining relationships, exchanging information, (sharing) decision-making, and enabling parent self-management. Communication gaps included: lack of supportive physician communication, disregard of parents’ views and agreements, missing communication about decisions, and the absence of written (discharge) information. ConclusionThis study improves our understanding and conceptualization of adequate NICU communication by revealing persisting gaps in parent-provider interaction. Also, this study provides a steppingstone for further integration of parents as equal partners in neonatal care and communication. Practice implicationsThe results are relevant to practitioners in the field of neonatal and pediatric care, providing suggestions for tangible improvements in NICU care in the Netherlands and beyond.

Maturation of the auditory system in normal-hearing newborns with a very or extremely premature birth

Literature shows that lower gestational age leads to greater delays in the auditory conduction, which suggests atypical maturation of the brainstem in normal-hearing premature newborns. Our aim is to investigate if there is a difference between the extrauterine and intrauterine maturation of the auditory system in normal-hearing newborns with a very premature (28-31 weeks) or extremely premature (<28 weeks) birth. Results of the Automated Auditory Brainstem Response Newborn Hearing Screening Program in Dutch Neonatal Intensive Care Units and diagnostic examinations were centrally registered from 1998 to 2016. Normal-hearing newborns with a gestational age of 25-31 weeks were included. Screening results at 32-45 weeks of postmenstrual age were compared between newborns born with different gestational ages. Multiple imputation was used to predict missing screening results. Small for gestational age was defined as birth weight corrected for gestational age<-1.6 standard deviation. Descriptive and (pooled) logistic regression analyses were performed. 23,964 newborns with 28,754 screening results were eligible. At the same postmenstrual age, pass rates were lower when gestational age was lower in normal-hearing newborns with a very and extremely preterm birth. Pass rates of 80% could be obtained at 34-35, 32-33, and 30-32 weeks' postmenstrual age in newborns with 25, 26-27, 28-31 weeks gestational age, respectively. Small for gestational age had an additional negative effect on pass rates. Analysis of hearing screening data suggests that extrauterine maturation of the auditory system is delayed in normal-hearing newborns with a very or extremely premature birth.

Surveillance-embedded genomic outbreak resolution of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus in a neonatal intensive care unit

We observed an increase in methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infections at a Dutch neonatal intensive care unit. Weekly neonatal MSSA carriage surveillance and cross-sectional screenings of health care workers (HCWs) were available for outbreak tracing. Traditional clustering of MSSA isolates by spa typing and Multiple-Locus Variable number tandem repeat Analysis (MLVA) suggested that nosocomial transmission had contributed to the infections. We investigated whether whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of MSSA surveillance would provide additional evidence for transmission. MSSA isolates from neonatal infections, carriage surveillance, and HCWs were subjected to WGS and bioinformatic analysis for identification and localization of high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms, and in-depth analysis of subsets of isolates. By measuring the genetic diversity in background surveillance, we defined transmission-level relatedness and identified isolates that had been unjustly assigned to clusters based on MLVA, while spa typing was concordant but of insufficient resolution. Detailing particular subsets of isolates provided evidence that HCWs were involved in multiple outbreaks, yet it alleviated concerns about one particular HCW. The improved resolution and accuracy of genomic outbreak analyses substantially altered the view on outbreaks, along with apposite measures. Therefore, inclusion of the circulating background population has the potential to overcome current issues in genomic outbreak inference.

Gram-negative Late-onset Sepsis in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants Is Emerging in The Netherlands Despite Quality Improvement Programs and Antibiotic Stewardship!

Late-onset sepsis (LOS) is still an important cause of morbidity and mortality in premature infants. Indwelling devices and lower birth weight (BW) are the most important risk factors. Quality improvement programmes are implemented to reduce incidence of LOS. An increasing number of extremely low BW infants (ELBWs) (≤1000 g) are treated in the Netherlands, including infants with gestational age (GA) 24 weeks since Dutch law changed in 2010. We evaluated the incidence and causative microorganisms of LOS in ELBWs over an 8-year period in 2 Dutch neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The first LOS episodes of all ELBWs admitted to the NICU of the Wilhelmina Children's Hospital Utrecht and the Isala Hospital Zwolle were included retrospectively from January 2008 to December 2015. LOS was defined as clinical signs of sepsis >72 hours postpartum, combined with a positive blood culture and C-reactive protein of ≥10 mg/L. Two hundred fifty-five out of 923 ELBWs (27.6%) had an episode of LOS, and no decrease in incidence was seen over the years. ELBWs with LOS had lower GA and BW. The percentage of Gram-negative organisms increased from 0% in 2008 to 27% in 2015, mainly in infants with GA <26 weeks. The number of invasive fungal infections decreased to zero. No significant decrease in incidence of LOS in ELBWs was seen, despite the introduction of quality improvement programmes and attention to antibiotic stewardship. Furthermore, an increase in Gram-negative LOS was observed, with an overrepresentation among the growing proportion of the NICU population at the lowest GA and weight. Prevention, including high compliance to hand hygiene policies, may be an impactful intervention.

Dutch Neonatal Intensive Care Nurses' Perceptions of Pulse Oximeter Saturation Target Limits for Preterm Infants

PurposeTo conduct a national survey to assess practice, knowledge, barriers, and perceptions regarding oxygen saturation (SpO2) target limits among Dutch neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses. Design and methodsCross-sectional, web-based survey among 667 nurses from 9 level 3 Dutch NICUs. Part of the questions were based on a clinical scenario (28-weeks preterm infant, treated with CPAP, FiO2 0.4). Results328 (53.6%) nurses responded to the survey. Of these, 281 (85.7%) reported to know the local policy of SpO2 target limits, and 261 (79.6%) and 244 (74.4%) rightly identified the lower and upper limit, respectively. Six NICUs recently increased their lower SpO2 limit and for 62.0% of their nurses this led to a significant alarm increase. For the majority of the respondents, the baby from the clinical scenario would spend <10% of the time outside the lower or upper SpO2 limits. Automated oxygen control systems were considered a good idea by 59.2% of the respondents, but 53.9% considered allowing parents to participate in FiO2 titration a bad or very bad idea. ConclusionsThe majority of the respondents identified their unit's policy-specified SpO2 target limits and reported that the increase in SpO2 target limits may have led to more alarms. Titration of FiO2 is a part of care that respondents were reluctant to share with parents. Practice implicationsA potential increase in the number of SpO2 alarms may lead to alarm fatigue. Although family-centered care philosophy is widely accepted across Dutch NICUs, there are still barriers to overcome.

Parental Presence and Activities in a Dutch Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: An Observational Study.

The presence of parents during a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission is important for the well-being of both infants and their parents. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify parental presence in terms of frequency, duration, and activities in the NICU in relation to characteristics of both infants and parents. An observational study was performed in a Dutch level III NICU. All infants admitted for more than 24 hours were included. One hundred sixty-two infants were included. For a median duration of 3 to 4 hours a day, at least one of the parents was present. After the first week after birth, 80% of both parents participated in the care of their infant. A vaginal delivery, longer duration of kangaroo care, higher birth weight, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, being a first child, the second and following admission week(s) after birth, and a short driving distance led to a significantly longer duration of presence for both parents. Mothers were present for a significantly longer duration of time than fathers (P = .00). It is recommended that public and employer policies, as well as physical conditions and necessary facilities, in the NICU be examined for their support of parental presence.

Nurturing Futility in the NICU: The Dutch Perspective.

Requests for life-prolonging treatments can cause irresolvable conflicts between health-care providers and surrogates. The Multiorganization Policy Statement (Bosslet et al. 2015) with recommendations to prevent and manage these conflicts creates a good opportunity to examine how end-of-life decisions are made in Dutch neonatal intensive care units and how medical futility is defined. The Dutch equivalent of medical futility in the context of NICU care has grown and developed rather independently, within the typical legal, ethical, and cultural framework of Dutch society. Moreover, intractable conflicts and legal claims about life-prolonging treatments of newborns are very rare. This makes the Multiorganization Statement recommendations only partly relevant to Dutch practice. Critics are right in their comments that a substitution for the term futility, as recommended in the statement, is unlikely to prevent or solve irresolvable conflicts. But the recommended transparency about limit setting may work well, provided physicians make sure that comfort and palliative care are always provided.

DOSE EVALUATION FOR DIGITAL X-RAY IMAGING OF PREMATURE NEONATES.

X-ray radiography is a commonly used diagnostic method for premature neonates. However, because of higher radiosensitivity and young age, premature neonates are more sensitive to the detrimental effects of ionising radiation. Therefore, it is important to monitor and optimise radiation doses at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The number of x-ray examinations, dose-area product (DAP) and effective doses are evaluated for three Dutch NICUs using digital flat panel detectors. Thorax, thorax-abdomen and abdomen protocols are included in this study. Median number of examinations is equal to 1 for all three hospitals. Median DAP ranges between 0.05 and 1.02 μGy m2 for different examination types and different weight categories. These examinations result in mean effective doses between 4 ± 4 and 30 ± 10 μSv per examination. Substantial differences in protocols and doses can be observed between hospitals. This emphasises the need for up-to-date reference levels formulated specifically for premature neonates.

Irradiance levels of phototherapy devices: a national study in Dutch neonatal intensive care units.

The objective of this study is to determine whether irradiance levels of phototherapy (PT) devices in Dutch neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) increased between 2008 and 2013. Irradiance of all types of PT devices, used in combination with incubators, was measured with a Dale 40 Radiometer (Fluke Biomedical, Everett, WA, USA) in all 10 Dutch NICUs. Irradiance increased in seven NICUs. Median (range) irradiance increased from 9.7 (4.3-32.6) to 16.4 (6.8-41) μW cm-2 nm-1 for 24 overhead devices (P=0.004) and from 6.8 (0.8-15.6) to 22.3 (1.1-36.3) μW cm-2 nm-1 for 12 underneath devices (P=0.014). Five light-emitting diode (LED)-based devices were used in 2013 and one in 2008. The mean distance between overhead PT device and infant decreased by ~9 cm (P<0.001). Significantly more devices delivered minimal (10 μW cm-2 nm-1) recommended irradiance levels (80 vs ~45%; P=0.002). Irradiance of PT devices still varies, but has markedly improved since 2008 due to shorter distances between PT device and infant, and introduction of better performing LED-based devices.

Client satisfaction and transfers across care levels of women with uncomplicated pregnancies at the onset of labor

Objectiveto compare the client satisfaction of women with uncomplicated pregnancies at the onset of labor who were transferred across care levels during childbirth and women who were not transferred across care levels in the Dutch perinatal healthcare system, and–if there are differences–to identify the variables that may explain them. Methodsthe research entailed a population-based study of women with uncomplicated pregnancies at the onset of labor living in the catchment area of a Dutch Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in the eastern part of the Netherlands who gave birth between April 2014 and September 2014. Respondents completed a validated questionnaire (n = 842; mean age 30.7 years). Client satisfaction, measured on a 10-point scale, was assessed within 12 weeks after childbirth. Findingsof the 842 respondents, 277 women experienced a transfer of care during childbirth, and 565 women were not transferred. The client satisfaction of women who were transferred across care levels (mean 8.04; SD 1.4) was significantly lower (p<0.001) than that of women who were not transferred across care levels (mean 8.78; SD 0.9). Seven variables together explained 93.2% of the difference in client satisfaction. Explanatory pregnancy and childbirth variables were perceived health problems for the mother and medical interventions during childbirth. Explanatory clients’ experiences with the care process variables were respect, prompt attention, quality of basic amenities, social consideration, and choice and continuity. Conclusionwomen were highly satisfied with the care they received, although transfers across care levels during childbirth were associated with substantially lower client satisfaction. The differences in client satisfaction between transferred and non-transferred women can largely be explained by pregnancy and childbirth characteristics, and by clients’ experiences with the care process.

Hearing Loss by Week of Gestation and Birth Weight in Very Preterm Neonates

To gain insight into health and related costs associated with very preterm births, one needs accurate information about the prevalence of the disabling conditions, including neonatal hearing loss (NHL). We assessed the prevalence of NHL by week of gestation and categories of birth weight in very preterm neonates. Results of the 2-stage Automated Auditory Brainstem Response nationwide Newborn Hearing Screening Program in Dutch Neonatal Intensive Care Units and diagnostic examinations were centrally registered between October 1998 and December 2012 and included in this study. NHL was defined as impaired when the neonate conventional Auditory Brainstem Response level exceeded 35 dB near Hearing Level at diagnostic examination. Birth weight was stratified into <750 g, 750-999 g, 1000-1249 g, 1250-1499 g, and ≥ 1500 g, and by small for gestational age (SGA; <10th percentile) vs appropriate for gestational age. Logistic regression analyses and recursive partitioning were performed. In total, 18,564 very preterm neonates were eligible. The prevalence of NHL consistently increased with decreasing week of gestation (1.2%-7.5% from 31 to 24 weeks) and decreasing birth weight (1.4%-4.8% from ≥ 1500 g to <750 g, all P < .002). Most vulnerable to NHL were girls <28 weeks, boys <30 weeks, and SGA neonates. The SGA effect started at 27 weeks. Gestational age and birth weight quantify the risk of NHL. This information can be used at the individual level for parent counseling and at the population level for medical decision making.

O-158 An Assessment Of Knowledge And Practice Of Phototherapy For Neonatal Jaundice Among Nurses In Dutch Nicus

Background/aims Irradiance levels of phototherapy (PT) devices in Dutch neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in 2008 were often lower than the minimal recommended level and the distance between the PT device and the infant is frequently too large. We hypothesised that lack of awareness of the factors that influence PT efficacy existed among caregivers. We aimed to analyse knowledge and practice of nurses in Dutch NICUs of the current national guideline for PT. Methods A survey was administered to all 10 Dutch NICUs; 200 nurses received a questionnaire on the application of the current PT guidelines including factors that influence PT efficacy. Results The overall response rate of the survey was 91%, 86% used local guidelines; 51% of the respondents did not know whether the intensity of the PT devices was regularly measured and 44% did not measure the distance between PT device and infant. Nurses exhibited personal preferences for a specific PT device, which varied per NICU, and which not necessarily corresponded to devices with the highest irradiance level. Overall, nurses would like to have better PT devices and more uniformity in their use. Conclusions Personal preferences, use of local PT guidelines, and lack of awareness of factors affecting light irradiance exist among NICU nurses. Educational programs aimed to improve awareness of factors that affect PT efficacy are needed.

PS-199 Improved Irradiance Of Phototherapy Devices In Dutch Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Background/aims Phototherapy (PT) is an effective treatment for hyperbilirubinemia, provided a minimum irradiance level is applied. Previously, we reported on low irradiance levels of PT devices in Dutch Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). These data were shared with all NICUs. We hypothesised that this knowledge would positively affect current applied irradiance levels. Therefore we determined irradiance levels of PT devices again in 2013. Methods Irradiance levels of overhead and underneath PT devices in all 10 NICUs were measured with a Dale 40 radiometer ( FlukeBiomedical, Everett, Washington, USA ), in routinely applied PT practice patterns, using an infant silhouette model. The infant’s distance from the overhead device was measured. Results Irradiance levels of 35 PT device-incubator combinations were measured (Table); 10 types of PT devices were in use in the 10 NICUs (8 overhead and 2 underneath). Overall irradiance levels increased (p = 0.01); irradiance levels of overhead and underneath PT devices also increased with 50% (NS) and 200% (p = 0.03), respectively. The mean (range) distance between overhead PT device and infant decreased with 7 cm to 38 (30–62) cm (p 2 /nm were obtained for 70% of PT devices versus ~50% in 2008 (p = 0.02). Conclusions Applied irradiance levels of PT devices in Dutch NICUs have markedly improved in 2013. Current data suggest that awareness among healthcare workers regarding requirements for effective PT results in improved use of PT devices, including smaller distances between PT device and infant. Moreover, the availability of better performing (Light Emitting Diode) PT devices might have contributed.