Abstract
Background: Newborns diagnosed with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) often experience extreme symptoms as their body’s withdrawals from substances. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions are provided that aim to treat NAS. However, nurses should be aware of what treatment leads to better outcomes and shorter hospitalization.
Aim: The aim of the project was to compare the length of hospitalization of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for newborns with mild NAS.
Methods: The team of researchers devised a research question to guide a search in the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) to identify relevant literature focused on pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention and the length of hospitalization of newborns diagnosed with NAS. The literature was appraised and synthesized to answer the research question.
Results: Multiple studies were identified that accredited each intervention type with better outcomes and shorter lengths of hospitalization.
Conclusion: The research question was not able to be answered given the existing literature. However, multiple benefits were identified for both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to the treatment of NAS, which suggests a combined approach is best supported at this time.
Key terms:
- Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
- Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Scoring System Tool (FNAST)
Included in
Critical Care Commons, Other Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Commons, Primary Care Commons
UP-02 Pharmacological and Non-pharmacological Interventions for the Treatment of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Background: Newborns diagnosed with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) often experience extreme symptoms as their body’s withdrawals from substances. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions are provided that aim to treat NAS. However, nurses should be aware of what treatment leads to better outcomes and shorter hospitalization.
Aim: The aim of the project was to compare the length of hospitalization of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for newborns with mild NAS.
Methods: The team of researchers devised a research question to guide a search in the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) to identify relevant literature focused on pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention and the length of hospitalization of newborns diagnosed with NAS. The literature was appraised and synthesized to answer the research question.
Results: Multiple studies were identified that accredited each intervention type with better outcomes and shorter lengths of hospitalization.
Conclusion: The research question was not able to be answered given the existing literature. However, multiple benefits were identified for both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to the treatment of NAS, which suggests a combined approach is best supported at this time.
Key terms:
- Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
- Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Scoring System Tool (FNAST)