Impact of a nurse education programme on oral feeding in a neonatal unit

Background Premature neonates often experience feeding difficulties during their hospital stay, and evidence-based interventions have been shown to improve feeding outcomes. Aim This study investigated whether an infant-cue based nurse educational feeding bundle accelerates the achievement of independent oral feeding in neonates in a neonatal intensive care unit. Study Design A quality improvement study with a pre, during and post intervention test design. All premature neonates admitted to the unit were eligible. The feeding programme included a four-month nurse training module and nurse coaching. Results A hundred and twenty-five nurses or nurse assistants attended the programme and 706 neonates were included. The median time to independent oral feeding (IOF) was 40, 36 and 37 days, respectively, for pre, during and post intervention. The reduction in time to IOF observed during the post-intervention period compared with the baseline period was significant (HR = 1.32, CI 95%: 1.01-1.74). No difference was noted in the length of hospital stay between the three study periods. Conclusions An infant-cue based nurse educational feeding bundle can promote earlier achievement of IOF in preterm neonates. Relevance to Clinical Practice This quality improvement study demonstrates the impact that a nurse-driven intervention in neonatal care can have on improving practice. Feeding interventions involve the early introduction of oral feeding, non-nutritive sucking (NNS), and oral motor stimulation, and should be individualized for each neonate. These individualized feeding interventions applied by all nurses and assistant nurses, can facilitate the achievement of earlier independent oral feeding in preterm infants and should be included in neonatal critical care nurse education programs.