Importance of physiotherapy/nursing multidisciplinary integration about update newborn position in the neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract

Introduction: The high-risk newborns may require long periods of hospitalization until they reach clinical stability for hospital discharge. Avoiding babies to be in only one body position may be an effective way to cause respiratory and neuro-psycho-motor benefits, comfort and preventing pressure ulcers. Objectives: This study investigated the impact of physiotherapy/nursing integration in update on body positioning of the newborn in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to nurses and nursing technicians of the neonatal unit of Maternity School of UFRJ and nurses of the Advanced Course in Neonatal Nursing from the same institution. Two classes were taught by the physical therapist of the sector and the questions answered before and after these lessons. It was also a brief characterization of professional participants of the study. We used the Student´s t test to compare the correct answers before (PRE) and after (POST) the classes, considering p < 0.05. Results: There was a significant increase in the degree of knowledge of nurses and nursing technicians when compared the responses before (nurses: 68.8%; technicians: 70.1%) and after classes (nurses: 78.4 %; technicians: 88.9%). The nurses were less than five years of graduated (45%) and little time of professional experience in neonatology (60%). Forty-seven percent of technicians had less than five years of training and 82% had less than 10 years of experience. Conclusion: The use of training by the nursing staff was significant, showing the importance of multidisciplinary approach and the integration of knowledge in the search for a humanized and effective care.