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Reimagining Kangaroo Care for Preterm Infants: A Novel Garment for Safe and Comfortable Bonding.

Authors :
McMillin, Alexandra
Presser Aiden, Aviva
Sherman, Jules P.
Crystal, Ruth Ann
Rhine, William D.
Source :
Children; Nov2024, Vol. 11 Issue 11, p1392, 11p
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Kangaroo Care (KC) has been proven to enhance physiological stability, growth, and bonding in preterm, low-birthweight infants. Despite its benefits, KC is underutilized in Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) due to challenges in managing medical equipment. This study introduces the Kangarobe™, a novel garment designed to facilitate safe, comfortable, and efficient KC for medically fragile infants in high-acuity NICUs. Methods: From 2021 to 2023, a feasibility study was conducted involving 25 infant-parent dyads in a Level IV NICU. The Kangarobe™ was designed using human-centered design principles and tested on infants dependent on respiratory support. Surveys employing a 5-point Likert scale were administered to parents and nursing staff to assess safety, comfort, ease of use, and procedural access. Results: Survey results showed positive feedback from both parents and nursing staff, particularly in the areas of safety and comfort. For example, 72–80% of parents and nurses responded positively regarding ease and comfort. High level of agreement (76%) on the security of medical line management, with minimal negative feedback. In addition, parents using the Kangarobe™ held their infants for an average of 171 min per session, with a notable increase compared to the typical 75 min, indicating enhanced comfort and feasibility for extended KC sessions. The Kangarobe™ successfully enabled the secure management of medical lines and tubes, with the vertical access window improving procedural efficiency without interrupting KC. Conclusions: The Kangarobe™ demonstrates promise in addressing barriers to KC in high-acuity NICUs. By enhancing safety, comfort, and ease of use, it supports wider adoption of KC practices, potentially improving patient safety, staff efficiency, and family-centered care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
22279067
Volume :
11
Issue :
11
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Children
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
181163051
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/children11111392