title: Implementing safe sleep practices in a neonatal intensive care unit.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) remains the leading cause of death in the postnatal period. Accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed deaths have quadrupled. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) expanded its back to sleep recommendations to include a safe sleep environment. The AAP makes recommendations to healthcare professionals to model safe sleep practices and educate families on SIDS reduction strategies. The dual aims of this project were to develop a safe sleep educational model for our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and to increase the percentage of eligible infants in a safe sleep environment.
  
  
  METHODS
  The NICU Safe Sleep policy was revised to include AAP updated recommendations. Educational updates were provided to staff. A safe sleep packet with a video was created for and shared with families. Wearable blankets were implemented. A safe sleep observation checklist was created. Baseline data and post-education random observations data were collected and shared with staff.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At baseline, 21% of eligible infants were in a safe sleep environment. After education and reported observation, safe sleep compliance increased to 88%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  With formal staff and family education, optional wearable blanket, and data sharing, safe sleep compliance increased and patient safety improved.
authors.affiliation: a Division of Neonatology , Department of Pediatrics .
authors.forename: Kristin C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Voos
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Terreros
authors.forename: Phyllis
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Larimore
authors.forename: Mary Kay
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Leick-Rude
authors.forename: Nesha
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Park
mesh_terms: D057189:Checklist; D004496:Education, Continuing; D004505:Education, Nonprofessional; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007224:Infant Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008923:Missouri; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D016487:Parenting; D061214:Patient Safety / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D058996:Quality Improvement; D012890:Sleep; D013398:Sudden Infant Death / Q000517:prevention & control*
keywords: Injury prevention; safe to sleep; sudden infant death