Application of a Risk Management Framework to Parent Sleep During Skin-to-Skin Care in the NICU

• Published in: Journal of obstetric, gynecologic, and neonatal nursing Vol. 51; no. 3; pp. 336 - 348
• Main Authors: Weber, Ashley M., Jackson, Yamile C., Elder, Mason R., Remer, Sarah L., Parikh, Nehal A., Hofherr, Jennifer J., Voos, Kristin C., Kaplan, Heather C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.05.2022
• Subjects: accidental falls; Child; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; kangaroo care; Kangaroo-Mother Care Method; neonatal intensive care unit; Parents; patient safety; preterm infant; Risk Management; Skin Care; skin-to-skin care; sleep; Sleep - physiology; sleep; risk management; patient safety; kangaroo care; neonatal intensive care unit; accidental falls; skin-to-skin care; preterm infant
• ISSN: 0884-2175; 1552-6909; 1552-6909
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jogn.2022.02.004

As NICU staff work to increase the frequency, duration, and comfort of skin-to-skin care (SSC) sessions, barriers to implementation are frequently encountered. Safety concerns are often raised when parents fall asleep during SSC intentionally or unintentionally. We present a risk management framework that we use in clinical practice to address risk related to parent sleep during SSC. Our approach is based on the steps of the Risk Management Life Cycle, which include the following: establish context, identify risk, analyze risk, respond to risk, and monitor and adapt response to risk. Clinicians may use this framework in clinical practice to manage risks related to prolonged SSC, specifically when parents relax and fall asleep during SSC. We present a risk management framework as a method to address risk related to parent sleep in the SSC policies and practices of NICUs.