Effect of Left and Right Semi-elevated Side-Lying Positions on Feeding Performance of Preterm Infants.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE\nTo determine the effect of right and left semi-elevated side-lying positions on the feeding performance and skills of bottle-fed preterm infants.\n\n\nDESIGN\nA single-group, crossover experimental study.\n\n\nSETTINGS\nLevel 3 NICU of a training and research hospital in Istanbul.\n\n\nPARTICIPANTS\nA total of 60 preterm infants born at 24 to 36 6/7\xa0weeks gestation.\n\n\nMETHODS\nWe collected data using an infant information form, feeding observation form, and the Turkish version of the Early Feeding Skills Assessment (EFS-Turkish). For each infant, we collected data for two feeds: one in the right and one in the left semi-elevated side-lying position.\n\n\nRESULTS\nWe found no difference between the right and left semi-elevated side-lying positions in the volume or percentage of food taken (p\xa0= .582 and p\xa0= .625, respectively), feeding duration (p\xa0= .901), or feeding efficiency (p\xa0= .423). We observed no significant differences between feedings in the left and right semi-elevated side-lying positions in mean EFS-Turkish total score (p\xa0= .251) or subscale scores (p > .05).\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nNeonatal nurses can feed preterm infants in both directions of the semi-elevated side-lying position when following evidence-based feeding guidelines.