Application of Heated Disposable Blanket in Preventing Neonatal Hypothermia During Transportation

58^th World Advanced Nursing and Nursing Practice Congress

August 16, 2021 | Webinar

Wing Yi Kaness Ching, Kam Tak Camille Ho, Shun Kiu Margaret Cheung, Hoi Yi Wong

St. Paulâ??s Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: JNC

Abstract :

Hypothermia is associated with neonatal morbidity and mortality. A drop in temperature was noted between the time of birth and admission to nursery, and the risk increased with longer transport duration. Instant heated disposable (IHD) blankets are typically used in adult patients undergoing hypothermia or cardiac interventions. This project aimed to examine the application of IHD blanket in preventing neonatal hypothermia during transportation. A total of 672 newborns and 665 mothers in St. Paul’s Hospital were recruited from 6 March to 31 August 2019. After delivery, the newborn was dried thoroughly, wrapped in IHD blanket, and transported from delivery or operating room to nursery in incubator. Admission temperature was taken rectally using digital thermometer and maternal satisfaction level was surveyed on the second day. The mean temperature using routine interventions and IHD blanket were 36.1°C and 36.5°C respectively. Incidence of moderate to severe neonatal hypothermia decreased from 15% to 10%. There was no cases of hyperthermia or dermal irritation. Most (76%) mothers rated their satisfaction at high levels. By generating a predictable amount of heat instantly and over a prolonged period of time, IHD blanket helps preventing neonatal hypothermia in a reliable manner and weaning newborns from incubator to open cot. It could potentially be an innovative and cost-effective thermal solution not only in hospitals but also during inter-hospital transfer for critically ill newborns. It would also be beneficial to explore products with longer heat duration for premature newborns who have difficulty in reserving heat during incubator care or breastfeeding.

Biography :

Wing Yi Kaness Ching has been working as a registered nurse and midwife for over ten years. She earned her degree of Master of Nursing (Public Health) in 2015 from the University of Hong Kong and degree of Juris Doctor from the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2019. She is the Deputy In-Charge of the maternity ward in St. Paul’s Hospital. She has participated in several international nursing research congresses and has been conducting quality improvement projects in maternity care.