Yashoda Sathish - Manipal College of Nursing Manipal University, Manipal, India
Leslie Edward Lewis - Department of Paediatrics, Kasturbha Hospital and Kasturbha Medical College, , Manipal, India
Judith Angelitta Noronha - Manipal College of Nursing Manipal University, Manipal, India
Anice George - Manipal College of Nursing Manipal University, Manipal, India

ABSTRACTBackground: Preterm birth, if not actively managed with developmental supportive care, can significantly contribute to neurodevelopmental compromise. Use of appropriate positioning aids helps with mimicking the intrauterine environment and facilitating neuromuscular development. Herein, we aimed to determine the effectiveness of snuggle up positioning aids on clinical outcomes of preterm (<32weeks) infants.Methods: This randomized controlled trial was performed at a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to investigate the effect of snuggle up position using positioning aids (vs. standard care) on heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, duration of ventilation, weight gain, and duration of NICU stay.Results: There was a significant difference in respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, stability of the cardiorespiratory system in preterm infants (SCRIP) score, and weight gain between the intervention and control groups (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in temperature, heart rate, and duration of ventilation between the two groups (P> 0.05).Conclusion: Use of snuggle up position with positioning aids increased stability of physiological parameters and weight gain and reduced duration of NICU stay. Thus, the use of positioning aids for preterm infants is recommended to facilitate their growth and clinical outcomes.

Keywords: Clinical outcomes, Physiological Parameters, preterm infants, Snuggle up positioning