Background: Failure to reach full oral feeding remains a significant barrier for premature infants to discharge home. Postmenstrual age (PMA) at first oral feeding is significantly associated with the length of hospital stay (LOS).
Methods: Single-center QI to introduce oral feeding to infants on high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) by reducing the flow to 2 L during feeds.
Global aim: To reduce PMA at first oral feeding and reduce the LOS.
Smart aim: To introduce oral feeds in 40% of infants who are on ≤4 L HFNC by the end of 12 months.
Results: Over 12 months, SMART aim reached with 100% enrollment. PMA at first oral feeding decreased from a median of 42.4w ((IQR) (40,46.6) to 37.8w (35.8,43.2), PMA at discharge decreased from 47w (44.6,50.7) to 42.6w (41.3,48.8).
Conclusion: Allowing oral feeding in infants while on HFNC is feasible. This approach can significantly reduce PMA at first and full oral feeding.
© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature America, Inc.