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Volume 6, Issue 3 (Suppl)
J Neonatal Biol, an open access journal
ISSN:2167-0897
Neonatology 2017
December 04-06, 2017
December 04-06, 2017 | Madrid, Spain
20
th
International Conference on
NEONATOLOGY AND PERINATOLOGY
Extremely preterm infant skin care: A transformation of practice aimed to prevent harm
Deanna Elizabeth Johnson
Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, USA
Background:
The skin of extremely preterm infants is underdeveloped and has poor barrier function. Skin maintenance
interventions initiated in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) have immediate and lifelong implications when the
potential for infection, allergen sensitization, and altered aesthetic outcomes. In addition, the high level medical needs of
extremely preterm infants demand skin level medical interventions that too often results in unintended skin harm.
Purpose:
We describe the use of a harms prevention, or consequence-centered, approach to skin care which facilitates safer
practice for extremely premature infants.
Method:
Neonatal and pediatric Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) came together for monthly meetings to review
the evidence around best skin care practices for extremely preterm infants, with an emphasis on reduction of skin harm.
Findings were focused on the population of interest and clinical implementation strategies.
Findings:
Skin care for extremely preterm infants remains overlooked by current literature. However, clinical practice pearls
were extracted and applied in a manner that promotes safer skin care practices in the NICU.
Implications for Practice:
Gentle adhesives, such as silicone tapes and hydrogel backed electrodes can help to reduce medical
adhesive related skin injuries. Diaper wipes are not appropriate for use among extremely preterm infants, as many ingredients
may contain potential allergens. Skin cleansers should be pH neutral to the skin and the prophylactic use of petrolatum based
emollients should be avoided. Deanna Elizabeth Johnson’s Presentation would focus on the Background and Implications for
Practice.
Implications for Research:
Further exploration and understanding of skin care practices that examine issues of true risk
versus hypothetical risk of harm.
deanna.johnson@childrensmn.orgJ Neonatal Biol 2017, 6:3(Suppl)
DOI: 10.4172/2167-0897-C1-006