Biobehavioral Efficacy of the Elevated Side-Lying Position for Feeding Preterm Infants: Study Protocol.
Jinhee Park, Suzanne Thoyre, Jane Smallcomb and 2 others
PMID 39231735WHAT IT FOUND
No feeding outcomes are reported yet.
This protocol plans to compare side-lying and supine bottle feeding in 60 preterm infants. It will measure heart rate, oxygen saturation, breathing coordination and feeding skills.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
No infant outcomes have been reported yet, so the paper cannot show whether side-lying or supine feeding is better. The planned study is single-center, so results may not apply to other NICUs. The planned sample includes only infants born at 35 weeks gestational age or less who are taking about 30%-50% of feedings orally, so it may not apply to more mature infants or infants not yet taking oral feedings. The protocol excludes infants with congenital anomalies, grade IV intraventricular hemorrhage, ventilator dependence beyond 60 days, or inability to oral feed before discharge.
Declared interests
The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Funding is from the National Institute of Nursing Research.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read this as evidence that side-lying feeding works. The paper reports no infant outcomes yet; it only describes the planned trial.