Effectiveness of Using Checklist in Preventing Facial, Nasal and Head Pressure Injuries in Preterm Infants in Nasal Noninvasive Mechanic Ventilation: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND

Noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV), when in synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation, continuous positive airway pressure, or patient-triggered ventilation modes, is known to be a cause of facial, nasal, head, and skin pressure injuries in preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to examine the efficacy of using a checklist with preterm infants under nasal NIMV in preventing facial, nasal, and head pressure injuries.

METHOD: The study was conducted quasi-experimentally on preterm infants under NIMV. The sampling comprised a total of 104 infants, an intervention group of n = 52 and a control group of n = 52. All procedural steps of NIMV of the infants in the intervention group were performed in accordance with a checklist. The checklist covered: (1) preparation of the ventilation device and cannula placement; (2) care; and (3) monitoring and assessment.

RESULT: There was a statistically significant difference in nasal tip, septal, intranasal, upper lip, and right-left cheek pressure injury scores between the intervention and control groups ( P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Performing all procedural steps of nasal NIMV in accordance with a checklist is effective in preventing pressure injuries on the face, nose, and head of preterm infants, reducing the severity of pressure injuries.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: It is recommended to use a checklist covering the ventilation device preparation, cannula placement, care, observation, and assessment steps to prevent any pressure injuries in the face, nose, and head, as well as to reduce the severity of pressure injuries and improve the skin condition of preterm infants under nasal NIMV support.