Implementing Co-Regulated Feeding with Mothers of Preterm Infants

Measurement of the quality of mother-infant feeding interactions across the first year: Reliability and stability of the parent-child early relational assessment

This study examines the psychometric properties of the Parent-Child Early Relational Assessment (PCERA) in the context of mother-infant feeding interaction. Utilizing a longitudinal design, data were collected from 114 mother-infant dyads, including healthy full-term infants and those born prematurely with diagnosed respiratory disease, one group with chronic respiratory disease (Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia) and the second group with acute respiratory disease (Respiratory Distress Syndrome). Observational data were collected at 1, 4, 8, and 12 months post-term age, focusing on parental behavior, infant variables, and dyadic interactions during feeding. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to assess the congeneric structure of the PCERA across three domains: parental, infant, and dyadic. Results indicated support for the congeneric model in all domains, demonstrating that each factor measured a single common latent variable despite variations in item loadings and error terms. Reliability analysis using Cronbach alpha and McDonald's omega coefficients revealed high internal consistency for all eight PCERA factors, indicative of robust measurement properties (Table 3). Further examination of factorial invariance across four time periods (1, 4, 8, and 12 months) demonstrated consistent measurement properties of the PCERA factors throughout the infant's first year of life. This finding suggests stability and reliability in measuring the underlying constructs of mother-infant feeding interaction over time. The study underscores the utility of the PCERA as an observational tool for assessing various dimensions of parent-child interaction during feeding. Findings support its application in diverse settings, including the study of infants with complex medical conditions, such as prematurity and respiratory disease. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of examining parent and infant characteristics as predictors of feeding interaction quality, aiming to identify dyads at risk of poorer interaction outcomes and inform clinical interventions.

Guided Participation for Clinical Practice

Theory of guided participation for clinical practice presents teaching and learning in the context of the teacher and learner relationship. The teacher functions as a guide bringing the learner as a participant into a reciprocal, dynamic process that addresses issues learners are working on, acknowledging and directing learning activity to personal and clinical goals. Outcomes of this process are competencies in health-related functions. The process proceeds with understanding of the learner's internal working model (IWM) of self, other, and relationships. The IWM goals, intentions, and expectations formulate guided participation processes for development of competencies specific to the learner's cultural and personal situation and health need.

Conceptual Framework Behind the Development of a Level of Confidence Tool: The Pediatric Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study Value Scale

PURPOSE

The videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) is the most commonly used instrumental procedure for evaluating swallowing in pediatric populations suspected of having dysphagia. Assessment and interpretation of a VFSS in pediatric populations is frequently challenged by testing-specific factors that can raise concerns regarding the representativeness of swallow events observed during testing compared to daily feeding/swallowing physiology. When VFSS findings do not represent typical swallowing patterns, treatment recommendations can result in suboptimal outcomes. To address this current challenge to pediatric VFSS interpretation and associated treatment recommendations, the pediatric VFSS Value Scale (pVFSS Value Scale) was developed within a tertiary regional pediatric medical center. This clinical focus article summarizes the initial scale development phases and resulting conceptual framework for rating clinical testing factors that influence a clinician's level of confidence regarding pediatric VFSS findings. Future goals for scientific evaluation and clinical utilization of this new rating scale are also reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The pVFSS Value Scale was developed to assist clinicians with interpretation of pediatric VFSS assessment outcomes and to efficiently communicate factors influencing impressions and treatment recommendations with team members and caregivers. This clinical concept article summarizes potential uses of this tool to inform treatment planning as well as future clinical research to evaluate its psychometrics and clinical utility.

Cue-based versus scheduled feeding for preterm infants transitioning from tube to oral feeding: the Cubs mixed-methods feasibility study

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of evidence of the effect of cue-based feeding compared with scheduled feeding on important outcomes for preterm infants.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives were as follows: (1) to describe the characteristics, components, theoretical basis and outcomes of approaches to feeding preterm infants transitioning from tube to oral feeding; (2) to identify operational policies, barriers and facilitators, and staff and parents' educational needs in neonatal units implementing cue-based feeding; (3) to co-produce an intervention for feeding preterm infants in response to feeding cues; (4) to appraise the willingness of parents and staff to implement and sustain the intervention; (5) to assess associated costs of implementing cue-based feeding; (6) to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a future trial; (7) to scope existing data-recording systems and potential outcome measures; and (8) to determine stakeholders' views of whether or not a randomised controlled trial of this approach is feasible.

DESIGN

This was a mixed-methods intervention development and feasibility study comprising (1) a systematic review, case studies, qualitative research and stakeholder consensus; (2) the co-production of the intervention; (3) a mixed-methods feasibility study; and (4) an assessment of stakeholder preferences for a future evaluation.

SETTING

Three neonatal units in the UK (two level 3 units and one level 2 unit).

PARTICIPANTS

Developmentally normal, clinically stable preterm infants receiving enteral feeds (n = 50), parents (n = 15 pre intervention development; n = 14 in the feasibility study) and health-care practitioners (n = 54 pre intervention development; n = 16 in the feasibility study).

INTERVENTION

An evidence-informed multicomponent intervention comprising training, a feeding protocol, feeding assessment tools, supplementary training materials [including posters, a film and a narrated PowerPoint (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, USA) presentation] and the 'Our Feeding Journey' document.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The main outcome measures were recruitment and screening rates, infant weight gain, duration of the intervention, feeding outcomes, implementation outcomes (contextual facilitators and barriers, acceptability, adoption, appropriateness and fidelity) and stakeholder preferences for a future evaluation.

RESULTS

The systematic review of 25 studies concluded that evidence in favour of cue-based feeding should be treated cautiously. The case studies and qualitative research highlighted contextual barriers to and facilitators of the implementation of cue-based feeding. The telephone survey found that many neonatal units are considering implementing cue-based feeding. We recruited 37% of eligible infants, and there was good retention in the study until discharge but a high loss to follow-up at 2 weeks post discharge. The mean number of days from intervention to transition to full oral feeding was 10.8, and the mean daily change in weight gain was 25 g. The intervention was acceptable to parents and staff, although there was dissatisfaction with the study documentation. Intervention training did not reach all staff. A cluster-randomised design with a composite outcome was suggested by stakeholders for a future study.

LIMITATIONS

The intervention was available only in English. Intervention training did not reach all staff. There was low recruitment to qualitative interviews and observations. Only a small number of medical staff engaged in either the training or the interviews.

CONCLUSIONS

It is feasible to implement a cue-based feeding intervention with improved training and documentation. Further work is needed to assess the feasibility of a future trial, noting evidence of existing lack of equipoise.

FUTURE WORK

The next steps are to digitalise the intervention and conduct a survey of all neonatal units in the UK.

STUDY REGISTRATION

This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42018097317 and ISRCTN13414304.

FUNDING

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 25, No. 74. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Barriers and facilitators to implementation of a guideline for school-aged children with feeding difficulties

BACKGROUND

Swallowing difficulties are common and complex in children with physical, behavioural, and cognitive needs. This study (i) describes mealtime management and (ii) identifies barriers and facilitators to implementation of a guideline for school-aged children with feeding difficulties in one specialist school.

METHOD

Three data sets were collected: (i) 51 school records, (ii) 48 meal observations, and (iii) seven staff interviews. The model of behaviour COM-B (Capacity Opportunity Motivation and Behaviour) was used to identify barriers and facilitators.

RESULTS

28 school records stated diet modifications and five children were enterally tube fed. Seventy percent of children had mealtime assistance. Only 25% of children had written plans and these did not contain all strategies observed. When feeding plans were vague or disagreements occurred, policy did not support decision-making.

CONCLUSIONS

A coordinated approach is needed. Target areas for change include staff and family education; defined processes for cross-agency documentation and more detailed plans for all children.

NURSES' PERCEPTIONS ABOUT THE FEEDING OF PRETERM NEWBORNS

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze nurses' perceptions about the feeding of preterm newborns and their motivations in using feeding methods during hospitalization in the neonatology unit. Method: descriptive study with a qualitative approach. Data collection was carried out between July 2019 and January 2020, using semi-structured interviews with 30 nurses from a neonatology unit. The analysis of interview data was carried out using lexicographical textual analysis, the descending hierarchical classification, and similarity analysis through IRaMuTeQ - R Interface software. Results: 876 text segments were analyzed in the descending hierarchical classification, retaining 86.3% of the total for the creation of five classes that resulted from content participation. The similarity analysis of the words representing the nurses' perception about oral feeding and the choice of feeding method led to three central cores, represented by the words: think, give, bottle. Conclusion: Nurses recognize the importance of continuing education and training in the assessment of oral skills. The reason for choosing the feeding method is often based on criteria such as preference, speed, and ease.

The effects of the Newborn Behavioral Observations (NBO) system in early intervention: A multisite randomized controlled trial

The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effect of an infant mental health intervention, the Newborn Behavioral Observations system (NBO), versus usual care (UC) on infant neurodevelopment and maternal depressive symptoms in early intervention (EI). This multisite randomized trial enrolled newborns into the NBO (n = 16) or UC group (n = 22) and followed them for 6 months. Outcome measures included the Battelle Developmental Inventory (BDI-2), Bayley Scales of Infants Development (BSID-III), and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). The CES-D and BSID-III were collected at 3- and 6-months post EI entry and the BDI-2 was collected at EI entry and 6-months post-EI entry. We estimated group differences [95% CI], adjusting for program characteristics. At 6 months, the NBO group had greater gains in Communication (b = 1.0 [0.2, 1.8]), Self-Care (b = 2.0 [0.1, 3.9]), Perception and Concepts (b = 2.0 [0.4, 3.6]), and Attention and Memory (b = 3.0 [0.4, 6.0]) than the UC group. The NBO group also had greater decline in maternal postnatal depressive symptoms (b = -2.0 [-3.7, -0.3]) than the UC group. Infants receiving the NBO infant mental health intervention had greater gains in cognitive and adaptive functions at 6 months than infants receiving UC. Caregivers receiving NBO care had greater improvements in maternal depressive symptoms than caregivers receiving UC.

Feasibility of a guided participation discharge program for very preterm infants in a neonatal intensive care unit: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Previous studies showed that parents of very preterm infants expressed feelings of incompetence and experienced high levels of stress upon the discharge of their infants. We conducted a systematic review of seven studies and observed potential benefits for parental outcomes when using discharge interventions that adopted guided participation (GP). More evidence is needed on the effective doses of discharge interventions underpinned by the principles of GP.

Aim

To investigate the feasibility and preliminarily estimate the effects on parental competence and stress outcomes of a newly developed, nurse-led, GP discharge program for mothers of very preterm infants.

Methods

A two-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Mothers of infants with gestational ages of ≤32 weeks who had no congenital malformations and did not need to undergo major surgeries were recruited. All mothers were the primary caregivers to their infants. The intervention group received a nurse-led GP discharge intervention (three structured 30- to 60-min GP sessions and one follow-up phone call). The control group received usual care. The parental outcomes were measured using the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (C-PSOC) and Perceived Stress Scale (C-PSS) at baseline (T0), on the day of discharge (T1), after the follow-up phone call (within 72 h after discharge) (T2), and 1 month after discharge (T3). The outcomes were analyzed using generalized estimating equations based on intention-to-treat principles.

Results

Thirty infant–mother dyads were recruited. Greater improvements in the C-PSOC score were observed in the intervention group than in the control group at T1 and T2, although these differences were statistically insignificant. The intervention group exhibited greater improvements than the control group in the C-PSS scores at T1, T2, and T3, although these differences were also not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that a GP discharge intervention could improve parenting competence and stress among mothers with very preterm infants. The absence of adverse events suggests that the GP discharge intervention could be feasibly implemented in NICU settings. This feasibility study was not powered to determine the effectiveness of the intervention but is anticipated to lay the foundation for a future full-scale study.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03668912. Date of registration: 13 September 2018 (retrospectively registered).

Transition From Nasogastric Tube to Oral Feeding: The Role of Parental Guided Responsive Feeding

Background and Objective: Strategies to transition preterm infants from tube to oral feeding vary greatly and the transition may take days to weeks. The study objective was to evaluate the effect of parental guided responsive feeding (PGRF) on this transition. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial on infants born at <32 weeks gestation. The PGRF intervention was performed by parents, and included feeding intervals and volumes which were guided by the infants' behavioral cues of hunger and satiety. If a minimum volume was not taken orally, an intermediate volume was supplemented via nasogastric tube. The control group was traditionally fed (TF), with pre-planned volumes of intake and at given scheduled intervals. Results: The study comprised 67 infants (PGRF 32, TF 35). PGRF infants reached full oral feeding within less days (median 2 vs. 8 days, p = 0.001), at an earlier age (median 34.28 vs. 35.14 weeks, p < 0.001), returned to baseline weight gain at 35 weeks (1.77 ± 0.70 vs. 1.25 ± 0.63 g/kg/day, p = 0.002), were discharged earlier (36.34 ± 0.6 vs. 36.86 ± 0.9 weeks, p = 0.001), were more likely to be fed by their parents (p < 0.001), and experienced less apnea/bradycardia events at 34 weeks (median 3.5 vs. 9 per week p = 0.047) compared to the TF infants. The regression model demonstrated that independent variables predicted 43.7% of the variance of time to full oral feeding [F _{(9, 65)} = 4.84 p < 0.001]. The only significant variable was feeding group (B = -6.43 p < 0.001); The PGRF infants were more likely to reach full oral feeding earlier. Conclusion: PGRF is safe, and associated with short-term advantages, higher parental engagement, and earlier discharge. Clinical Trial Registration: Identifier: SHEBA-12-9574-IM-CTIL; "Adjusted Individual Oral Feeding for Improving Short and Long Term Outcomes of Preterm Infants."

Quantifying the Impact of Common Feeding Interventions on Nutritive Sucking Performance Using a Commercially Available Smart Bottle

An estimated 25% to 40% of infants experience difficulties with learning to breast- or bottle-feed. Yet, guidelines and evidence-based support for common feeding practices are limited. The objective of this case report was to quantify the impact of feeding interventions on nutritive sucking performance after discharge in an outpatient setting. This observational case series involved 2 infants. To determine the impact of cumulative interventions, pre- and postintervention effect sizes were calculated. Sucking performance metrics of interest included nipple movement peak sucking amplitude, duration, frequency, and smoothness. Interventions included positional changes and changes in nipple flow rate, among others. For both infants, cumulative interventions had the greatest impact on suck frequency; postintervention, infants were able to increase their rate of nutritive sucking per burst. Other aspects of sucking performance were differentially impacted for each baby. Researchers agree that neonatal and infant feeding has been understudied and that the evidence for common interventions needs to be strengthened. We have demonstrated the implementation of readily available technology that can be used to quantify the direct impact of any intervention on actual sucking performance. In doing so, we can individualize care to support skill development and improve outcomes for infants at risk for ongoing feeding challenges.

Mothers' Psychological Distress and Feeding of Their Preterm Infants

PURPOSE

To examine the change in psychological distress of mothers of preterm infants and its association with maternal feeding behaviors as the infant transitions to full oral feeding.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This descriptive exploratory study used a subset of data from a study of the effects of a coregulated feeding intervention for 34 mothers and hospitalized preterm infants in a Level-III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Maternal psychological distress was measured by maternal worry (Child Health Worry Scale), depression (Center for Epidemiology-Depression Scale), and role stress (Parental Stress Scale: NICU-Role Alteration) at three time points: within 1 week prior to the first oral feeding (T1), and at achievement of half (T2) and full oral feeding (T3). Feedings were videotaped at T2 and T3. An observational coding system measured maternal feeding behaviors. Linear mixed modeling evaluated the change in maternal psychological distress and its association with mothers' feeding behaviors as the infant transitioned to full oral feeding.

RESULTS

Maternal depressive symptoms were highest at T1 and declined over time. Maternal worry and role stress were also highest at T1 but remained stable from T2 to T3. Increased maternal psychological distress, particularly depressive symptoms and role stress, were associated with less use of developmentally supportive feeding behaviors, that is, minimizing tactile stimulation, providing steady touch to contain or stabilize the infant, and regulating milk flow.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Supporting maternal psychological well-being while infants are learning to feed orally may be an appropriate target for interventions to support mother-infant early feeding interactions.

Clinicians guide for cue-based transition to oral feeding in preterm infants: An easy-to-use clinical guide

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

This article aims to provide evidence to guide multidisciplinary clinical practitioners towards successful initiation and long-term maintenance of oral feeding in preterm infants, directed by the individual infant maturity.

METHOD

A comprehensive review of primary research, explorative work, existing guidelines, and evidence-based opinions regarding the transition to oral feeding in preterm infants was studied to compile this document.

RESULTS

Current clinical hospital practices are described and challenged and the principles of cue-based feeding are explored. "Traditional" feeding regimes use criteria, such as the infant's weight, gestational age and being free of illness, and even caregiver intuition to initiate or delay oral feeding. However, these criteria could compromise the infant and increase anxiety levels and frustration for parents and caregivers. Cue-based feeding, opposed to volume-driven feeding, lead to improved feeding success, including increased weight gain, shorter hospital stay, fewer adverse events, without increasing staff workload while simultaneously improving parents' skills regarding infant feeding. Although research is available on cue-based feeding, an easy-to-use clinical guide for practitioners could not be found. A cue-based infant feeding regime, for clinical decision making on providing opportunities to support feeding success in preterm infants, is provided in this article as a framework for clinical reasoning.

CONCLUSIONS

Cue-based feeding of preterm infants requires care providers who are trained in and sensitive to infant cues, to ensure optimal feeding success. An easy-to-use clinical guideline is presented for implementation by multidisciplinary team members. This evidence-based guideline aims to improve feeding outcomes for the newborn infant and to facilitate the tasks of nurses and caregivers.

Oxytocin trajectories and social engagement in extremely premature infants during NICU hospitalization

Extremely premature infants, born 28 weeks gestation or less, are at high risk for impaired socioemotional development, due in part to exposure to early stressful social experiences that alter brain development. Understanding mediators that link experience with outcomes is necessary to assess premature infant responses to social experiences that are critical to brain development. The hormone oxytocin (OT), released during supportive interactions, has potential as a biomarker of the premature infant's responses to social experiences. The purpose of this study was to examine associations among infant plasma OT trajectories and maternal-infant social engagement behaviors during initial hospitalization. This study also examined demographic correlates of engagement behaviors in mothers and infants. Plasma from 28 extremely premature infants, born gestational ages 25-28 6/7 weeks, was collected at 14 days of life, then weekly until 34 weeks. Social engagement behaviors were measured by the Parent-Child Early Relational Assessment during a videotaped feeding when the infant was receiving one-quarter full oral feeds. Maternal-infant demographics were extracted from the medical record. Higher infant plasma OT was associated with lower infant social engagement, but no associations were found with maternal social engagement. Infant social engagement was positively related to maternal social engagement. Maternal parity was related to maternal social engagement, and infant demographics did not predict infant social engagement. The significant, yet negative, association between infant OT and engagement provides support for the measurement of OT as a neurobiological antecedent to infant social behaviors. Finally, this research suggests that during the earliest period of infant socio-behavioral development, premature infants are behaviorally reactive to the social engagement behaviors of their mothers.