Neonatal Nursing Research

Selected Projects

Project 1: A study of pain management practices during the prolonged hospitalisation of infants

Sick infants are exposed to multiple painful procedures during their hospitalisation. Despite the large body of evidence supporting pain management strategies, there have been numerous reports of low utilisation of such evidence in neonatal intensive care. A nation-wide survey of pain management and assessment practices in neonatal units has been conducted. A longitudinal study of pain management and assessment practices including the effectiveness of repeated doses of oral sucrose, in a cohort of infants requiring prolonged hospitalisation, is nearing completion. Results will contribute to the evidence gap of pain management practices in a diverse population of sick infants.

Project 2: Infant wellbeing beyond the neonatal intensive care unit

Breastfeeding is difficult to sustain for those babies requiring hospitalisation in a neonatal unit. Not only feeding but infant sleep patterns can be impacted on by a stay in NICU. Sleep disturbances have been reported in babies during their hospital stay and post discharge. This prospective cohort study is investigating feeding and sleeping patterns of babies who have been discharged home from the neonatal intensive care nursery at RCH and the Children's at Westmead. Information is being sought with respect to breastfeeding rates, maternal breastfeeding confidence and satisfaction with the breastfeeding experience and the sleeping patterns of babies post discharge.

Project 3: Improving safety and minimising risk - parent, carer and service provider perspectives of sociocultural influences for medication use in young children

Childhood unintentional poisoning ranks second to falls as an injury cause of hospitalisation in the 0-4 years age group. The aims of this study are to explore the sociocultural influences on medication use by parents and carers of young children and develop best practice guidelines for provision of medication information by health care providers. A multimedia education program for health care providers and consumers will be integrated into existing health services. Results will aid in determining children at risk of medication mismanagement, and assist providers to implement a rigorous and sustainable approach to the provision of care to young children.