PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to develop a feeding protocol for premature infants and to evaluate the effects of protocol.
METHODS
The feeding protocol was developed through a literature review and discussions of an expert group. The developed feeding protocol was tested with 85 preterm infants in one neonatal intensive care unit in B city. A non-equivalent control group non-synchronized design was used. Data were collected from January 1 to April 30, 2013 for the control group and from June 1 to September 30, 2013 for the experimental group. The experimental group (n=38) received the feeding protocol, whereas the control group (n=47) had routine feeding care. Collected data were analyzed by t-test and -test using SPSS/WIN version 18.0.
RESULTS
First feeding time (t=2.22, p=.029) and full enteral feeding time (t=2.28, p=.026) were significantly decreased in the experimental group compared to the control group. There was no difference in incidence of complications (p>.05). Also no significant differences in weight reduction rate between the two groups were observed at the 7th postnatal day (t=-1.23, p=.222).
CONCLUSION
The results indicate that the feeding protocol for preterm infants is effective in decreasing first feeding time and full enteral feeding time.

Citations

• A study on the correlation between upper airway diseases and urinary heavy metals concentration in household residents
  Jihee Choi, Yujin Oh, Yunjae Kim, Munseob Ahn, Ji Young Im, Chung Soo Lee, Heejin Park, Moo-Kyun Park, Bu-Soon Son
  Journal of Odor and Indoor Environment.2018; 17(1): 78.     CrossRef
• Analysis of Studies on High-Risk Infants and Quality Assessment of Intervention Studies
  Hyejung Lee, Anna Kim, Anna Maeng, Gayeong Kim
  Child Health Nursing Research.2016; 22(2): 153.     CrossRef
• Effects of Massage Therapy on Feeding Intolerance and Physical Growth in Premature Infants
  Hyun Young Seo, Young Hae Kim, Sung-Ju Kim
  Child Health Nursing Research.2016; 22(4): 355.     CrossRef

The main purpose of this methodological study was to develop an assessment tool and intervention protocol for child and family with childhood cancer at early diagnosis stage. The assessment tool and intervention protocol was developed by extensive literature review and consultation with experts. Review of nine domestic and sixty-six international journal articles were done to identify stress, interventions, coping strategies and adjustment of children with cancer and their family.
Results
were as follows; First, assessment at the early diagnosis stage need to include information on patient, family, and patient/family attitude toward diagnosis and treatment. Second, intervention protocol for children with cancer includes control physical symptoms, manage the side effects of chemotherapy and diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, control emotional responses, provide support and information, assist decision-making and adjust to environment. Third, intervention protocol for family includes controlling emotional responses, provision of informations, inducing family support to patient, improving family cohesion, supporting siblings and supporting spiritual growth. In conclusion, the early diagnosis stage in cancer treatment is important for child and family since this stage greatly affects the overall adjustment of child and family to live with cancer. Therefore, pediatric nurses need to be sensitive to the need of patient/family and systematically manage their needs at this stage.