Abstract
Premature births are defined as a baby born before 37 weeks of gestational age. In the United States, there is a high rate of premature births. Many issues can arise from being born early. One problem of significance is chronic lung disease (CLD). One aspect of CLD is bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). At Meriter Unity-Point Health (Meriter-UPH), the incidence BPD in comparison to the Vermont Oxford Network. Various aspects of a chronic lung bundle can be further investigated to potentially decrease the incidence of chronic lung disease in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU).
Research shows supporting evidence that having an extubation guideline can help reduce rates of BPD. Utilizing a guideline at Meriter-UPH will give providers a continuum plan of care that will remain consistent between the exchange of providers. Currently, different approaches based on experience are used to treat the infant in the moment of care. By providing an extubation guidelines, a standard of care can be set forth to all premature infants that can be tailored to the individual. As future providers in the NNP role, it is essential to unify with the Neonatologist and other medical doctors as a team. Having a reference to deliver consistent care will not only help providers collaborate effectively but allow for better outcomes and improved chronic lung rates in the premature patient population.
Of the seven patients, there was one extubation failure, giving the guideline an 85.8% success rate. Different components of the guideline were analyzed and found to have a compliance of 42.8%. A limitation to the study was the small sample size (n=7), however, such sample size gave adequate information on how to update and utilize the guideline to make it more successful in the future.