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Preterm Infant Thermal Responses to Caregiving Differ by Incubator Control Mode

Journal of Perinatology volume 23, pages 640–645 (2003)Cite this article

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of caregiving on preterm infant and incubator temperature and to investigate incubator control mode in thermal responses to caregiving.

STUDY DESIGN: The intensive within-subject design involved continuous recording of infant and incubator temperature and videotaping throughout a 24-hour period in 40 hospitalized preterm infants. Temperature at care onset was compared with care offset, and 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes following care offset using ANOVA-RM.

RESULTS: Following caregiving, infant and incubator temperature differed significantly over time by incubator control mode. In air servo-control, infant temperature tended to decrease after caregiving, while in skin servo-control infant temperature remained relatively stable. With caregiving, incubator temperature remained consistent in air servo-control and increased in skin servo-control.

CONCLUSIONS: The temperature effects of caregiving should be considered relative to maintenance of thermoneutrality and unintentional thermal stimulation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Family and Child Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA

    Karen A Thomas PhD, RN

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  1. Karen A Thomas PhD, RN
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Additional information

Research supported by a grant awarded from the National Center for Nursing Research, R29 NR02420.

Statistical consultant: Robert Burr, PhD, MSEE, Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems, University of Washington.

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Thomas, K. Preterm Infant Thermal Responses to Caregiving Differ by Incubator Control Mode. J Perinatol 23, 640–645 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7211002

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