Thesis (M.A.)--York University, 2007. Graduate Programme in Clinical and Developmental Psychology. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 43-53). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004 & res_dat=xri:pqdiss & rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation & rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:MR31988.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Delaware, 2009. / Principal faculty advisor: Roberta Michnik Golinkoff, School of Education. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2001. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references. Available also from UMI/Dissertation Abstracts International.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2002. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references. Available also from UMI Company.

Thesis (M.S.N.)--Marshall University, 2002. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains v, 60 p. Includes bibliographical references (p. 48-51).

Prematurity is a common health issue worldwide. In Hong Kong, the rate of prematurity is in an increasing trend, from 4.7% in 1999 to 5.1% in 2004 (Tertiary-wide Obstetric & Gynecology Audit Report, 2004). Preterm infants are usually required to hospitalize in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) which expose them to certain stressors such as noise, caregiver procedure, medical manipulations and pain (Harrison et al., 2003). Stress would lead to certain illnesses likes metabolic and cardiovascular disorders (Caldji, Diorio, & Meaney, 2000). Facing stress of preterm infants not only affects the developmental and neurodevelopment outcome but also increase the morbidity and mortality (Mitchell & Boss, 2002). Preterm birth is a complicated health problem which affects the infant itself and also increase the burden to society as it costs nearly US$26 billion dollars per year for both inpatient and outpatient care (Richard & Adrienne, 2007). Although there were many known benefits of massage therapy in premature infants and the safety of practicing was being acknowledged, massage therapy is still not being practiced in Hong Kong health care settings. Massage therapy was effective in reducing signs of stress on premature infants and could be performed by parents safely as evidenced by six researches (Dieter, Field, Hernandez-Reif, Emory, & Redzepi, 2003; Hernandez-Reif, Diego, & Field, 2007; Lee, 2005; Kuhn, Schanberg, Field, Symanski, Zimmerman, Scafidi, & Roberts, 1991; Smith, Kux, Haley, Beechy, & Moyer-Mileur, 2012; Wheeden, Scafidi, Ironson, Valdeon, & Bandstra, 1993). Based on the evidence, a new evidence-based practice was developed for reducing signs of stress of premature infant by using massage therapy in NICU. Implementation potential was reviewed in relation to target setting, transferability of findings and cost-benefit analysis. Implementation plan was developed. Stakeholders were identified and communication process was discussed in details. Pilot testing would be carried out to assess the feasibility of implementing the guideline. Finally, evaluation on patient, parents and healthcare providers’ outcome were required in implementing this new change smoothly. / published_or_final_version / Nursing Studies / Master / Master of Nursing

Hypothermia at birth is strongly associated with mortality and morbidity in preterm infants. Unfortunately, infants are prone to hypothermia immediately after birth. A large proportion of preterm infants, especially those of gestational age at less than 30 weeks, experience different levels of hypothermia. A frequently used possible preventive measure is the application of an occlusive wrap immediately after birth. However, no systematic review on this preventive measure supports its translation into practice. This dissertation aimed to evaluate the current evidence on the application of occlusive warp for preterm infants. Four electronic databases, Cochrane Library, PubMed, CINAHL, and Medline, were searched. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria of this dissertation. Data were extracted and the quality of the included studies was evaluated by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN). Six studies were graded as high quality studies and showed that occlusive wrapping significantly prevented the incidence of hypothermia among the preterm infants smaller than 30 weeks. An evidence-based Superwarm guideline was developed, which was deemed to be transferable to the local setting of neonatal intensive care unit with similar target clients and philosophy of care as with those in the identified studies. Also, the proposed innovation was considered to be feasible after examination of staff competency, resources, and approval methods. The potential benefits to preterm infants, nurses, and also the hospital were high, and risks to the patient were minimal. The estimated set-up cost including manpower and consumable cost was $1,720, and the running cost was also $1,720 per year. A 12 -month implementation program scheduled including communication with stakeholders, training to the frontline nurses, and a pilot of the guideline. Patient outcomes will be measured by admission temperature, temperature one hour after admission, and mortality rate. Healthcare provider outcomes include compliance rate, workload, acceptance of the proposed guideline, job satisfaction, knowledge, and skill enhancement in thermoregulation of the preterm infants. The quality of patient care was also considered in the system outcomes. Guideline effectiveness will be evaluated by the increase in admission temperature, nurse and physician satisfaction, and controlled program expenditure. / published_or_final_version / Nursing Studies / Master / Master of Nursing

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published_or_final_version / abstract / toc / Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy