title: Decreasing hypothermia during delivery room stabilization of preterm neonates.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Hypothermia during delivery room stabilization of very low birth weight (VLBW) newborns is independently associated with mortality, yet it occurred frequently both in collaborative networks and at our institution. We aimed to attain admission temperatures in the target range of 36 °C to 38 °C in ≥ 90% of inborn VLBW neonates through implementation of a thermoregulation bundle.
  
  
  METHODS
  This quality improvement project extended over 60 consecutive months, using sequential plan-do-check-act cycles. During the 14 baseline months, we standardized temperature measurements and developed the Operation Toasty Tot thermoregulation bundle (including consistent head and torso wrapping with plastic, warmed blankets, and a closed stabilization room). We introduced this bundle in month 15 and added servo-controlled, battery-powered radiant warmers for stabilization and transfer in month 21. We provided results and feedback to staff throughout, using simple graphics and control charts.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 164 inborn VLBW babies before and 477 after bundle implementation. Introduction and optimization of the bundle decreased the incidence of hypothermia, with rates remaining in the target range for the last 13 study months. The incidence of temperatures >38 °C was ~ 2% both before and after bundle implementation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This thermoregulation bundle resulted in sustained improvement in normothermia rates during delivery room stabilization of VLBW newborns. Our benchmark goal of ≥ 90% admission temperatures above 36 °C was met without increasing hyperthermia rates. Because these results compare favorably with those of recently published research or improvement collaboratives, we aim to maintain our performance through routine surveillance of admission temperatures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics/Neonatology, Albany Medical Center MC-101, 47 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208. pinheij@mail.amc.edu.
authors.forename: Joaquim M B
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Pinheiro
authors.forename: Susan A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Furdon
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Boynton
authors.forename: Robin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dugan
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Reu-Donlon
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jensen
mesh_terms: D001831:Body Temperature; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003696:Delivery Rooms; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007035:Hypothermia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015994:Incidence; D007224:Infant Care / Q000379:methods*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D011247:Pregnancy; D015397:Program Evaluation; D058996:Quality Improvement; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: health care; hypothermia; infant; newborn; quality indicators; resuscitation