Stephen C Alder — Page 2

PubMedDate not supplied

Implementing feeding guidelines for NICU patients<2000 g results in less variability in nutrition outcomes.

BACKGROUND: We devised a consistent approach to instituting and advancing enteral nutrition among neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients<2000 g birth weight. We then assessed variability in feeding-related outcomes during a period before (period 1) vs after (period 2) implementing these guidelines. METHODS: Using data from period 1 vs period 2, we statistically compared the equivalence of variance, focusing on certain feeding-related outcomes. Specific outcomes we chose to examine were (1) day of life when the first enteral feedings were given, (2) number of days during the entire hospitalization when no feedings were given, (3) number of days parenteral nutrition (PN) was administered, and (4) day of life when feedings of 80 mL/k/d and 100 kcal/k/d enteral were achieved. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients<2000 g were admitted to the NICU in period 1, of which 56 survived to discharge home. In period 2, 68 patients<2000 g were admitted and 66 survived to discharge. Demographic features of the patients in periods 1 and 2 did not differ. In both periods, feedings were begun on a median of day 1. However, in period 1 the range was from day 0 to day 24, and in period 2, the range was from day 0 to day 6 (equivalence of variance p<.001). After feedings were initiated, they were withheld for a median of 2 days (range, 0-23) during the remainder of the hospitalization in period 1 vs a median of 1 day (range, 0-12) in period 2 (p<.001). During period 1, PN was used for a median of 10 days (range, 0-72) vs 7 (range, 0-47) in period 2 (p=.001). During period 1, more variability occurred in the day of life when 80 mL/k/d and 100 kcal/k/d were achieved (both p<.001). No differences were seen in necrotizing enterocolitis, intestinal perforation, mortality, or length of hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing feeding guidelines was associated with significantly less variability in feeding-related outcomes. We speculate that this is a reflection of better feeding tolerance, which resulted from a more consistent approach to initiating and advancing enteral feedings.

Enteral Nutrition↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Caring for the underserved: using patient and physician focus groups to inform curriculum development.

BACKGROUND: Training pediatric residents to care for the underserved is a recognized curricular need. A literature review revealed that curricula specific to caring for the underserved tend to focus on specific medical diagnoses rather than physician or patient behaviors. OBJECTIVE: To collect and evaluate information essential for developing a curriculum to teach care for the underserved. METHODS: Focus groups were conducted to identify themes responsive to the question, "What does a physician need to know to care for the underserved?" Each of 3 focus groups met twice. The physician group included 5 pediatricians and 3 family practitioners. There were 2 patient groups: one Spanish-speaking (N = 13) and one English-speaking (N = 8). Content analysis was used to identify themes from each of the focus groups. RESULTS: Prevailing themes from the 3 groups were communication/respect, cultural issues, and frustration with systems, such as health insurance, transportation, and health delivery systems. Patients expressed an almost universal wish for physicians to listen to them and to attempt to "understand my life." Physicians expressed concerns with lacking the time to establish quality patient relationships and the need to serve multiple roles. The groups did not discuss issues related to specific medical conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians and underserved patients identified communication/respect, cultural issues, and frustration with systems, such as health insurance, transportation, and health delivery systems, as important factors in caring for the underserved. Curricula to teach care of the underserved should include these themes.

Adult↗