Nurses' and midwives' knowledge of thermoregulation in newborn infants

Abstract

The paucity of research regarding the role of the nurses and midwives in sustaining thermoregulation in neonates served as an incentive for conducting this small-scale study. Thermoregulation is a critical physiological process that balances heat production and heat losses whilst enabling the infant to maintain a normal body temperature. The literature review discusses studies which have implications to nursing and midwifery practice, and which also highlight the importance of thermoregulation in neonatal care. This study explored nurses' and midwives' knowledge of thermoregulation in newborn infants, together with how this may influence their routine nursing practice. A quantitative, non-experimental study was undertaken where a convenience sample of 10 nurses and 10 midwives agreed to voluntarily participate in this study. Data was collected using a self administered questionnaire. The results from this study describe the nurses' and midwives' knowledge of the various aspects of thermoregulatory care of the newborn. The findings indicated that participants were knowledgeable of certain aspects of thermoregulation such as the normal values for body temperature, and the important role that the environment has in the maintenance of thermoneutrality. However, nurses and midwives were less informed about cold stress in the newborn; what constitutes convective heat losses; and additional methods to assist the infant with thermoneutrality, such as the use of kangaroo care. In conclusion, realistic recommendations in light of the findings are drawn up regarding how nurses' and midwives' knowledge of thermoregulation and their clinical practices can be improved.