Award Date

5-1-2025

Degree Type

Doctoral Project

Degree Name

Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Department

Brain Health

First Committee Member

Donnamarie Krause

Second Committee Member

Sharon Jalene

Number of Pages

90

Abstract

Objective: To improve NICU nurses’ confidence in preventing and managing plagiocephaly in premature infants through a one-on-one educational session.Design: One-group post-test design for a quality improvement initiative. Setting: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Summerlin Hospital Medical Center. Participants: 20 NICU Nurses. Measures: Post-session questionnaire including close-ended Likert scale and open-ended questions. Results: Mean scores ranged from 3.5 to 4.0, with the highest rating for the helpfulness of the session format (mean = 4.0) and the lowest for confidence in alternating infant positioning (mean = 3.5). Standard deviations ranged from 0 to 0.59, indicating strong agreement regarding the session format to be helpful, while moderate variability regarding confidence to implement specific strategies. Thematic analysis of responses identified several themes: reinforcement of learning, practical application, individualized learning experience, engagement and participation, personalized attention and support, and increased understanding. Conclusion: The one-on-one educational format effectively improved NICU nurses’ confidence and understanding of plagiocephaly prevention. Participants reported that the content provided a better understanding of the topic. These findings support the need for educational discussions and initiatives within the NICU to improve developmental outcomes for premature infants.

Keywords

Gastroesophageal Reflux; Occupational Therapy; Positioning; Prevention; Quality Improvement; Torticollis

Disciplines

Occupational Therapy

File Format

pdf

File Size

2200 KB

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

Rights

IN COPYRIGHT. For more information about this rights statement, please visit http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Download


Share

COinS