Our Advancements
Beyond providing neonatal intensive care, our team members actively work on developing new methods and care plans to further the quality and safety of care, as well as improve measurable outcomes for our patients. This is known as Quality Improvement (QI) projects.
QI projects and their findings are then presented at national and international conferences, allowing NICU teams to learn from each other’s experiences to achieve better outcomes for newborns across the country and beyond.
Learn more about what we are working on below!
“Amalka’s Cocoon” – Infant Positioning QI Project.
This project aims to improve the quality of sleep and comfort on NICU patients by optimizing infant positioning using a specially-designed blanket wrap that provides consistent containment and alignment in a supported, flexed posture.
This project is ongoing, currently in PDSA cycle 2, where inclusion criteria have been widened to further demonstrate the cocoon’s effectiveness versus standard care and positioning.
Thermoregulation of the microprem
Newborns have a limited capacity to thermoregulate. Microprems and very low birth weight newborns are at particular risk of hypothermia, which is associated with poorer outcomes.
Our data review shows hypothermia has affected 10% of microprems in the initial day of life. Through increased monitoring and awareness, and the introduction of thermal insulated hats, we have been able to effectively prevent hypothermia for these patients.
This project is ongoing.
Feeding intolerance of the preterm newborn
Feeding intolerance is complex and multifactorial. Preterm newborns are at particular risk due to gut immaturity.
This project is currently in the preliminary audit phase.
We are assessing the proportion of our preterm patients who are affected by feeding intolerance despite current standard of care practices.
Complications increase with Greater Than One Intubation Attempt: Experience in a Canadian NICU
Presented at EPIQ 2020
