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Background: Though prior literature has demonstrated that communication in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) needs to be improved, in-depth descriptions of parents' views of NICU communication are lacking. Purpose: We sought (1) to explore parent perceptions of communication in the NICU and (2) to understand parents' communication needs and preferences. Methods: We conducted in-depth semi-structured cognitive interviews utilizing concurrent probes with parents of 10 patients in our urban level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit over a period of 4 months (July 2021-October 2021). Interview questions were derived from the Quality of Communication scale. We conducted thematic analysis of interview transcripts modeled after work by Braun and Clarke. Results: Four overarching themes were identified: Strengths, Challenges, People, and Coping Strategies. Parents reported a range of communication quality in the NICU. Results revealed that the first 48 hours of NICU hospitalization represent a period of vulnerability and uncertainty for parents. Parents value clear yet hopeful communication about a baby's clinical status and expected course. Implications for Practice and Research: We hope that the concrete findings from this study can both inform practice in the NICU now and influence practice guidelines to include such components as emphasis on the first 48 hours, desire for proactive information sharing, and the importance of including hope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem: Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) affecting neonates with fetal exposure to opioids, is defined by expression and severity of symptoms. The pathophysiology behind symptoms variability is lacking. The study aims were to examine (a) differences in gut microbiota of neonates with and without NAS, (b) the relationships between gut microbiota and symptom expression and NAS severity, and (c) the changes in the neonate gut microbiota diversity during the course of NAS treatment. Methods: A cross-sectional observational design was used to examine differences in microbiota and a longitudinal, repeated measures approach was used to determine relationships between gut microbiota and NAS symptoms. Symptom data were collected using the Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Scoring Tool and the Neonatal Pain Agitation and Sedation Scale. Stool samples were collected for microbiome analyses with 16S rRNA microbiome sequencing. Results: Differences in alpha and beta diversity between neonates with and without NAS were seen. Relative abundance results revealed 18 taxa were different in neonates with NAS compared to neonates without NAS. No differences were found in alpha or beta diversity in neonates with NAS between enrollment and hospital discharge. There was increased abundance of Escherichia-Shigella and Bacteriodes genera related to higher symptom scores. Discussion: Differences in alpha and beta diversity between neonates with and without NAS may be due to differences in birth mode and type of feeding. The findings of specific increased bacteria related to increased symptoms in the neonates with NAS may also be influenced by birth mode and type of feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Identify strategies to balance research responsibilities alongside other clinical, administrative, education and family roles. 2. Highlight practical insights on time management, goal-setting, and boundary-setting to prevent burnout while managing multiple responsibilities. In this early career breakout session, three investigators will share their multi-disciplinary perspectives about building and sustaining a program of research in the context of other roles as clinician, educator, caregiver and many others. During this moderated session, the panelists will highlight potential strategies and considerations for finding balance and success while navigating these different roles, including cultivating a supportive network, honing time-management skills, the art of saying "no" (or a stipulated "yes"), and identifying and prioritizing what matters. The panelists will share personal anecdotes and lessons learned from their own experiences, offering invaluable insights into how to navigate the challenges of juggling multiple responsibilities. From carving out dedicated research time amidst clinical duties to leveraging teaching opportunities to enhance research skills, attendees can expect a brief exploration of how to integrate different roles synergistically and a candid exploration of the challenges and opportunities in forging a career in research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although routine nurse caregiving is vital for the overall health of preterm infants, variations in approaches may exert distinct effects on preterm infants' stress responses and behavior state., Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review was to examine routine nurse caregiving in the neonatal intensive care unit and its effect on stress responses and behavior state in preterm infants., Data Sources: A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL for studies published between 2013 and 2023., Study Selection: Included studies enrolled preterm infants born <37 weeks gestational age and investigated nurse caregiving practices and effects on stress responses and/or behavior state., Data Extraction: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, data about study design, methods, findings, and limitations were extracted and summarized. Included studies were evaluated for bias using the National Health, Lung, and Blood Institute quality assessment tools., Results: All 13 studies included in the review received a fair quality rating. Nurse caregiving activities, including suctioning, diaper changes, bathing, and weighing, were associated with increases in heart and respiratory rates, blood pressure, energy expenditure, and motor responses, lower oxygen saturations, and fewer sleep states., Implications for Practice and Research: Adapting nurse caregiving frequency and duration, aligning caregiving with infant state, and integrating developmental care strategies may reduce infant stress responses and support behavioral rest. Further research is needed to understand how caregiving activities affect stress responses and behavior state in preterm infants, aiding in identifying modifiable caregiving stressors to promote optimal development., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 by The National Association of Neonatal Nurses.)

Background: To prepare nursing students to deliver high-quality care, educators need strategies to foster person-centered care (PCC)., Purpose: This pilot study evaluated an intervention with interactive case studies on undergraduate nursing students' PCC competency., Methods: We conducted a pilot study with sophomore undergraduate nursing students (n = 39) from a Midwestern US university. We developed a 90-minute class seminar with interactive case studies highlighting how patient preferences, values, and circumstances could influence fall risk. We assessed PCC using the Patient-Centered Care Competency Scale., Results: Although there was no statistically significant change in overall PCC competency before and after the intervention, we noted a small to medium effect size on PCC competency per Cohen's d standards (d = 0.35). Content analysis of students' open-ended responses reflected PCC and clustered into 5 themes., Conclusions: Findings suggest that educators may use interactive case studies to foster nursing student PCC competency., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)