JPNN's 23:4 issue focuses on selected topics in perinatal and neonatal nursing. A potpourri of articles comprises this issue, all of which affect perinatal and neonatal services to some extent. Three articles comprise the Perinatal section.
MacEachin, Lopez, Powell, and Corbett submit a programmatic description of a multidisciplinary electronic fetal monitoring training program. This safety program enabled standardization of fetal heart rate interpretation to enhance perinatal safety. This collaborative, multidisciplinary practice project was undertaken at Kasier Permanente as a patient safety programmatic initiative. Description of fetal monitoring content and implementation of a multidisciplinary approach enabled improved standardization of fetal heart rate interpretation. This study suggests that it is imperative that multidisciplinary teams be trained in electronic fetal monitoring concepts to orchestrate a truly competent response to perinatal emergencies.
A research study of perinatal depressive symptoms, sociodemographic factors, and breast-feeding among Chinese women is explored by Lau et al. This research study was designed to investigate the relationship between breast-feeding initiation and duration and patterns of perinatal depressive symptoms and to identify the sociodemographic correlates. Using a Chinese version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the authors present results that will be useful in caring for Chinese women. These results could be examined cross-culturally when comparing the use of this popular scale with other pregnant populations.
Thuczek presents "Newborn Screening: An Appeal for Improved Parent Education." The purpose of this study, which was part of a larger investigational study of newborn screening for cystic fibrosis, was to focus on how parents are informed about newborn screening. It also discusses how to work on processes to improve parental education about the screening process. Parents commented on the inconsistency in the timing and methods used to inform them. Mothers with higher incomes were more likely to receive information before the birth of their infants than those with lower incomes. Parental recommendations for process improvement are suggested in the study findings.
The neonatal section of this special topics volume provides clinical and professional role and research manuscripts of great relevance to neonatal nurses. The research articles, from international colleagues, contribute to nursing science.
The CE article by Jones and Smith is on neonatal shock, an unfortunate and fairly common complication seen in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), especially in premature neonates. This clinical review includes an overview of the causes and classifications of shock, the management and goals of treatment, and a description of newer treatments.
Buffum and Brandon focus on an important aspect of succession planning in the NICU, mentoring new nurses. The authors describe advantages of developing a formal NICU mentoring program within the context of the importance of understanding how generational differences need to be addressed to better utilize nursing talent and improve retention.
Peng et al present their research examining relationship between environmental stress and biobehavioral responses of preterm infants. They found statistically significant (P <. 05) relationships between environmental stressors and changes in physiological signals and between environmental stress and some specific stress behaviors. This research reinforces the importance of recognizing biological stress responses to environmental stressors, allowing for early interventions to reduce the possibility of more serious physiological changes.
Neonatal pain is well documented in neonates, and the myth of lack of pain perception for preterm newborns has been dispelled. Obeidat et al offer a systematic review of facilitated tucking as a nonpharmacologic pain management intervention. Their review suggests that this intervention may be beneficial to preterm infants in attenuating responses to painful stimuli.
The authors address topics important to neonatal nurses and nursing care, contributing to our knowledge and informing our practice. Hopefully they will stimulate discussion and influence nursing care.
-Diane J. Angelini, EdD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN, NEA-BC
Perinatal Editor
-Susan Bakewell-Sachs, PhD, RN, PNP-BC
Neonatal Editor