Child Health Nurs Res.  2014 Jan;20(1):20-29.

Development and Effect of the Feeding Protocol for Preterm Infants

• Lee JY
• Son HM
• Park KH

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to develop a feeding protocol for premature infants and to evaluate the effects of protocol.
METHODS
The feeding protocol was developed through a literature review and discussions of an expert group. The developed feeding protocol was tested with 85 preterm infants in one neonatal intensive care unit in B city. A non-equivalent control group non-synchronized design was used. Data were collected from January 1 to April 30, 2013 for the control group and from June 1 to September 30, 2013 for the experimental group. The experimental group (n=38) received the feeding protocol, whereas the control group (n=47) had routine feeding care. Collected data were analyzed by t-test and -test using SPSS/WIN version 18.0.
RESULTS
First feeding time (t=2.22, p=.029) and full enteral feeding time (t=2.28, p=.026) were significantly decreased in the experimental group compared to the control group. There was no difference in incidence of complications (p>.05). Also no significant differences in weight reduction rate between the two groups were observed at the 7th postnatal day (t=-1.23, p=.222).
CONCLUSION
The results indicate that the feeding protocol for preterm infants is effective in decreasing first feeding time and full enteral feeding time.

Keyword

Preterm infants; Protocol; Feeding; Enteral nutrition

MeSH Terms

Enteral Nutrition
Humans
Incidence
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Premature*
Intensive Care, Neonatal
Weight Loss