212 - Perceptions of Parents, Nurses, and Physicians Regarding Research Communication in the NICU: Results of an International Neonatal Consortium Survey

Poster Number: 212
Publication Number: 212.126

Jennifer Degl, Speaking for Moms & Babies, Inc./International Neonatal Consortium, Mahopac, NY, United States; Mary A. Short, retired from Eli Lilly and Company, INDIANAPOLIS, IN, United States; Robert M. Ward, University of Utah School of Medicine, Park City, UT, United States; Communications Workgroup International Neonatal Consortium, Critical Path Institute, Tucson, AZ, United States

Background: Drug and device development for neonates has been limited in the NICU over the past 20 years1. A multidisciplinary effort to improve research and communication in the NICU is essential and must engage parents, nurses, and physicians to optimize efforts.

Objective: To assess the perspectives of neonatologists, neonatal nurses, and parents on research-related education and communication practices in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Design/Methods: Surveys developed by the Communications Workgroup of the non-profit International Neonatal Consortium were completed by 323 respondents in 15 countries globally with responses from 83 NICU graduate parents, 188 neonatal nurses, and 52 neonatologists. Partial results were recently published2.  We report additional data regarding research communication practices that may inform on improvements in neonatal research practice and enhance nurse and parental participation in neonatal clinical research.

Results: Significant differences were noted between stakeholder groups with respect to the need for research in sick neonates. 85% of physicians [33/39], 62% of nurses [87/141], and 57% of parents [34/60] (chi-square p = 0.01) indicated that studies are necessary to determine if a drug is safe and effective in sick newborns, even after safety and efficacy have been demonstrated in adults. Staff indicated there were not established methods of communication within an institution regarding upcoming  (37% physicians [13/35] vs. 14% nurses [18/130] (chi-square p= 0.02) were aware) or ongoing (53% physicians [19/35] vs. 21% nurses [27/130] (chi-square p< 0.0001) were aware) neonatal research. Among the various methods of communication surveyed, specific meetings were rated most effective by physicians and nurses for both ongoing (63% and 67%, respectively) and upcoming (85% and 55.5%, respectively) research. Furthermore, only a small proportion of nurses surveyed (15% [17/114]) reported that they were asked to provide input on a study at their institution.Conclusion(s): The survey results suggest that there are considerable opportunities for improving neonatal research communication practices in NICUs. Further work is urgently needed to define, standardize, and implement appropriate interventions and must involve all key stakeholders.

References:
1. Ward RM, Sherwin CM. Newborns still lack drug data to guide therapy. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2016 Dec;82(6):1410–1. 
2. Degl, J., Ariagno, R., Aschner, J. et al. The culture of research communication in neonatal intensive care units: key stakeholder perspectives. J Perinatol (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-021-01220-5