https://www.nwhjournal.org/article/S1751-4851(24)00127-2/abstract

Objective

To improve neonatal outcomes through the implementation of an eat, sleep, console (ESC) assessment and change in hospital policy regarding the monitoring requirements for pharmacologic treatment of neonates with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).

Design

Retrospective chart review and descriptive survey design.

Setting/Local Problem

A hospital in Northwestern Ontario, where an evidence-based practice change was undertaken to improve care for neonates with NAS.

Participants

Neonates being screened for NAS during the Modified Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Scoring System (MFNASSS) protocol (n = 75) and ESC protocol (n = 40). Nurses working in the departments after the implementation of ESC were surveyed.

Measurements

Length of stay (LOS) and morphine administration by intervention status using unadjusted hazard and risk ratios, respectively. Descriptive statistics are also presented. A one-sample t test was completed for the nurses’ perspectives survey questions.

Results

Reduced rate of LOS (HR = 1.66, 95% confidence interval [1.1, 2.51]) was observed for participants receiving the ESC intervention (4.53, SD = 1.94), compared to the MFNASSS control (7.45, SD = 6.35). Although the ESC group appeared to have a greater proportion of neonates administered morphine (42.5% ESC vs. 26.7% MFNASSS), the relative risk was not statistically significant (RR = 1.28, 95% confidence interval [0.95, 1.72]). Morphine doses per day were reduced in the ESC group (0.37, SD = 1.50) compared to the MFNASSS group (5.16, SD = 1.02). Overall, the nurses had a positive perspective on the policy change.

Conclusion

ESC was successfully implemented in a Northwestern Ontario hospital. The overall LOS of neonates with NAS decreased. Nurses found the policy change to be safe and attainable.