Developmental Care for Improving Acoustic Environments of Closed Incubators to Reduce Stress of Preterm Infants

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26861921
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Lifelong developmental nursing
• Research Institution: Kobe University
• Principal Investigator: Shimizu Aya 神戸大学, 保健学研究科, 助教 (90552430)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 早産児 / ディベロップメンタルケア / ファミリーセンタードケア / 音環境 / 周波数解析 / 保育器 / 体動 / 画像解析

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the best strategies for promoting developmental care aimed at achieving a recommended acoustic environment for preterm infants, to decrease stressful noises inside closed incubators. Methods: (1) The relationship between the acoustic environment (sound pressure and frequency levels) was verified and reactions of preterm infants were recorded, and (2) the relationship between the current implementation regarding acoustic management and the neonatal intensive care nurses’ personal backgrounds, including their clinical experience and their beliefs on family-centered care, were verified. Results and discussion: The best strategy for the acoustic environment inside closed incubators may vary by different measurements depending on the type of ventilator used for the infant. Nurses also expect to view educational tools, means of standardized care, and evaluation systems about acoustic environment management for preterm infants.

Free Research Field

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