Altering the NICU and measuring infants' responses

The aim of the study was to measure the impact of a designated Quiet period on the NICU environment and its influence on the infants' physiological an d movement responses. The study group comprised 10 preterm infants on assis ted ventilation (mean gestational age 28.7 wk (range 24-32 wk), mean birthw eight 1322 g (range 600-2060 g), mean age 5.2 d). The environment in which the infants were nursed was altered in terms of reduced light, noise, staff activity and infant handling. The infants' heart rate, blood pressure, oxy gen saturation and movement responses were recorded during this Quiet perio d and compared with a period of Normal activity. When the Quiet period was compared with the Normal period (median values), the NICU environment had s ignificantly altered in terms of Light: Quiet period 3.0 Lux, Normal period 254.5 Lux (p < 0.01); Noise: Quiet period 54.0 dB, Normal period 58.0 dB ( p < 0.01); Alarm events: Quiet period 491.5 sec, Normal period 1180.5 sec ( p < 0.01); Staff conversation: Quiet period 16.0 occasions per hour, Normal period 60.0 occasions per hour (p < 0.01); Staff activity: Quiet period 25 .5 occasions per hour, Normal period 59.0 occasions per hour (p < 0.01); In fant handling: Quiet period 0.0 events per hour, Normal period 4.5 events p er hour (p < 0.01). Infants' diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pre ssure: median reduction of 2 mmHg for both during the Quiet period (p < 0.0 5). Infants' movements: Quiet period 14.5 movements per hour, Normal period 84.0 movements per hour (p < 0.05). Discussion: This study demonstrates that Quiet periods are feasible for inf ants undergoing neonatal intensive care, The NICU environment was altered s ignificantly for light, noise, infant handling and staff activity for a spe cified time period. These changes were associated with a reduced median dia stolic blood pressure and mean arterial-pressure and a decrease in infant m ovements.