title: Oral feeding readiness assessment in premature infants.
abstract: Oral feeding readiness is a complex concept. More evidence is needed on how to approach beginning oral feedings in premature hospitalized infants. This article provides a review of literature related to oral feeding readiness in the premature infant and strategies for promoting safe and efficient progression to full oral intake. Oral feeding readiness assessment tools, clinical pathways, and feeding advancement protocols have been developed to assist with oral feeding initiation and progression. Recognition and support of oral feeding readiness may decrease length of hospital stay and have a positive impact on reducing healthcare costs. Supporting effective cue-based oral feeding through use of rigorous assessment or evidence-based care guidelines can also optimize the hospital experience for infants and caregivers, which, in turn, can promote attachment and parent satisfaction.
authors.affiliation: Annmarie Gennattasio is a Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Cohen Children's Medical Center of the North Shore-LIJ Health System, New Hyde Park, NY. Elizabeth A. Perri is a Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Cohen Children's Medical Center of the North Shore-LIJ Health System, New Hyde Park, NY. Donna Baranek is a Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Cohen Children's Medical Center of the North Shore-LIJ Health System, New Hyde Park, NY. Annie Rohan is Director of Pediatric Research, Stony Brook University, School of Nursing, Stony Brook, NY, and a Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Cohen Children's Medical Center of the North Shore-LIJ Health System, New Hyde Park, NY. She can be reached via e-mail at annie.rohan@stonybrook.edu.
authors.forename: Annmarie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gennattasio
authors.forename: Elizabeth A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Perri
authors.forename: Donna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Baranek
authors.forename: Annie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rohan
mesh_terms: D001903:Bottle Feeding / Q000379:methods*; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000379:methods*; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000254:growth & development*; D013997:Time Factors