Infant-Driven Feeding vs. Scheduled Feeding: The Effect on Hospital Length of Stay

Infant-Driven Feeding vs. Scheduled Feeding: The Effect on Hospital Length of Stay by Lori L. Messer MS, Stony Brook University, 2003 BSN, University of Delaware, 2001 Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice Walden University February 2016  Developmental delays related to feeding dysfunction in premature infants can lead to lengthy hospitalizations and increased healthcare costs initially and throughout the first year of the child’s life. The purpose of this project was to use readiness-to-feed assessments to evaluate the impact of an infant-driven feeding protocol on length of stay. The project compared the length of stay of 2 groups of infants: a demand fed according to a readiness-to-feed protocol (protocol group, n = 14) and a traditionally fed according to scheduled, volume-driven feedings (traditional group, n = 15). The logic model served as the change management framework and synactive theory of infant development provided the theoretical framework. According to Als’ synactive theory, a shortened hospital stay for premature infants may reduce adverse effects related to neurosensory development, delayed bonding, and a distant parenting experience. A quantitative research design was used, and data were collected through a retrospective chart review of the 2 groups.Developmental delays related to feeding dysfunction in premature infants can lead to lengthy hospitalizations and increased healthcare costs initially and throughout the first year of the child’s life. The purpose of this project was to use readiness-to-feed assessments to evaluate the impact of an infant-driven feeding protocol on length of stay. The project compared the length of stay of 2 groups of infants: a demand fed according to a readiness-to-feed protocol (protocol group, n = 14) and a traditionally fed according to scheduled, volume-driven feedings (traditional group, n = 15). The logic model served as the change management framework and synactive theory of infant development provided the theoretical framework. According to Als’ synactive theory, a shortened hospital stay for premature infants may reduce adverse effects related to neurosensory development, delayed bonding, and a distant parenting experience. A quantitative research design was used, and data were collected through a retrospective chart review of the 2 groups. Descriptive statistics and analysis of variance were completed. The findings indicated that the length of stay in the protocol group was less than the length of stay in the traditionally fed group and that the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.03). Social change benefits related to the project include improved family bonding, improved neurosensory development of infants, and a reduction in healthcare costs as a result of a shortened length of stay. The findings of this project demonstrated that by using the readiness-to-feed protocol, neonatal intensive care nurses can decrease lengths of stay and costs of hospitalization while reducing adverse effects of traditional care on infant development and bonding. Infant-Driven Feeding vs. Scheduled Feeding: The Effect on Hospital Length of Stay by Lori L. Messer MS, Stony Brook University, 2003 BSN, University of Delaware, 2001 Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice Walden University February 2016 Dedication I would like to dedicate this to my friends and family whose never-ending support and encouragement have moved me deeply. To my daughter, Annie, my faith in you has no limits. Always follow your dreams. To my husband, Joseph, you are why I am here today. Your love, positive attitude, and words of encouragement are never-ending. Thank you for being with me through all of our challenges and triumphs. Acknowledgments I would like to thank Dr. Murielle Beene for her understanding and incredible support during some difficult times. Without her leadership, sensitivity, and sincerity this project would not have been completed.