Digital Commons Network^™

The Role Of Mentorship In Reducing Burnout In New Nurses And Nursing Students, Omari Andry

Honors College Theses

Burnout among new nurses and nursing students is a consistent issue affecting the healthcare system by adding to early career turnover, emotional exhaustion, and decreased quality of patient care. Structured mentorship programs have emerged as a promising intervention to alleviate burnout by giving emotional support, professional development, and coping strategies. This proposal explores the role of mentorship in reducing burnout symptoms, improving job satisfaction, and promoting emotional resilience among new nurses and nursing students alike. Based on existing scholarly articles, the project will investigate how structured versus informal mentorship affects burnout rates, the qualities of effective mentors, and the outcomes …

What Is The Evolving Role Of Nurses In Telehealth As Future Healthcare Professionals?, Emma G. Lowry

Honors College Theses

Telehealth has evolved into an essential component of healthcare delivery in today's world, something that occurred alongside the COVID-19 pandemic. As healthcare professionals, nurses must be adequately prepared and equipped to use the tools for telehealth. This paper examines the evolving role of nurses in telehealth by assessing undergraduate nursing students’ and practicing nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceived competencies. Data will be collected through a Qualtrics survey utilizing the Awareness, Knowledge, Attitude, and Skills (AKAS) Scale for Telemedicine, supplemented by interviews with telehealth practitioners to provide qualitative context. It is expected that variations in proficiency and attitudes, from previous biased …

Short Time, Lasting Impact: Teaching Pediatric End-Of-Life Care In One Day, Mckenzie Taliaferro

Honors College Theses

Background: Pediatric nurses working in specialties that experience terminal diagnoses, death, and post-mortem care, often feel unprepared for the emotional toll and lack adequate support systems (Camera et al., 2024). Nurses report feeling under prepared due to a lack of hands-on opportunities before graduation (Richoux, et al., 2022). Pediatric death is a traumatic experience for families and nurses. Previous studies have shown that hands-on education increases nurses' confidence in caring for patients at the end of their lives (Cole & Foito, 2019; Noyes et al., 2023). Method: A one-day, hands-on multidisciplinary workshop on pediatric end-of-life (EOL) was created and offered …

How Is The Use Of Ai Impacting Nursing Students Education?, Lorna H. Strain

Honors College Theses

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education is rapidly increasing and reshaping how nursing students learn and engage with content. This thesis proposal looks at the impact of AI on the education of nursing students and explores students' perceptions of its use in their learning and education. As AI becomes more prevalent, many students are using it for study aids and content personalization, while schools are using it in simulations and textbook platforms. Many recognize its benefits, such as enhanced critical thinking, improved accessibility of materials, and more immersive learning. Concerns persist around ethical use, academic integrity, and the …

Perception Of Bsn Nursing Students On Theory-Practice Gap, Emmalyn G. Siclare

Honors College Theses

Nursing students obtain valuable experience and are greatly influenced by their clinical experience in nursing school. The continuity and translation of lecture content learned in nursing school to the clinical part of nursing school is known as the theory-practice gap, and it is a vital part of nursing students’ education that is suffering. A perceivable theory-practice gap has a profound effect on students’ readiness for entering the nursing profession. This study examines how the theory-practice gap is understood by Bachelor of Science in Nursing students, and solutions for how it can be remedied. A descriptive qualitative study was conducted to …

Wealth-Related Inequality In Effective Coverage Of Postnatal Newborn Care In Tanzania; A Decomposition Analysis Of The Tanzania Demographic And Health Survey, 2022, Amanuel Yosef Gebrekidan, Yordanos Sisay Asgedom, Mesfin Abebe, Tsion Mulat Tebeje, Kassahun Animut Metkie, Simegn Molla Degisew, Kirubel Eshetu Haile, Seblewongel Gebretsadik Sertsewold, Gizachew Ambaw Kassie

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Effective postnatal newborn care provision is proven to be one effective strategy to reduce neonatal and under-five mortality. Despite the presence of small-scale studies that reported crude coverage of postnatal newborn care, nationwide evidence about effective postnatal newborn care coverage and evidence regarding the status of wealth-related inequality are limited in Tanzania. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the status of wealth-related inequality and determinants in effective coverage of postnatal newborn care in Tanzania.

Methods: A secondary data analysis was conducted based on cross-sectional data from the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey. 4335 weighted samples of reproductive age-women …

Bridging Idealism And Reality: Nursing Students’ Perceptions About The Impact On Their Wellbeing From Being A Nurse: A Qualitative Study, Louise M. Allen, Karen Missen, Simon J, Cooper

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Nursing students often enter undergraduate nursing programs with idealistic perceptions of how nursing can impact personal wellbeing. The gap between expectations and clinical realities may hinder progress and contribute to attrition. Aim: To explore nursing students' perceptions of how the nursing profession impacts a nurse's wellbeing. Methods: This descriptive qualitative study, informed by Transformational Learning Theory, involved semi-structured online interviews with 23 nursing students from three Australian universities. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Results: Students began the program with idealistic views about the physical, emotional and social impacts of nursing. Clinical placements played a key role in …

Emergency Clinicians’ Knowledge And Practice Of Pain Assessment For Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment: A Cross-Sectional Study, Carrie Janerka, Kaoru Nosaka, Aaron Lapuz Alejandro, Jeffery Hughes, Natasya Raja Azlan, Amineh Rashidi, Wenhong Zhao, Rosemary Saunders

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background Older adults with cognitive impairment frequently present to emergency departments and often experience poor pain management. Patients’ impaired self-reporting, limited clinician training, inconsistent use of behavioural tools, and environmental pressures have been reported challenges. This study examined emergency clinicians’ knowledge and practices in assessing pain for this population. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted across two emergency departments in Australia. An 86-item survey collected clinicians’ pain assessment knowledge and practices. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative responses were thematically analysed. Results 148 clinicians (110 nurses, 21 doctors, 17 allied health staff) responded to the survey …

Nursing Leadership And Pandemic Preparedness Via Game-Based Learning Simulation: A Narrative Review (Registered Nurses And Undergraduate Nursing Students), Scott James Andrews, Olivia Gallagher, Alecka Miles, Carol Crevacore, Brennen Mills

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Early progression of newly registered nurses into leadership roles is commonplace in clinical settings. Nurses and student nurses can prepare for leadership by gaining exposure through simulation-based learning. A novel and expanding modality are game-based learning (GBL) simulation. Nurse leaders play a crucial role during pandemics, guiding their teams through crises and ensuring effective response strategies. Reviewing the literature to identify the content, structure, and effectiveness of current pandemic preparedness and GBL simulation in nursing education is necessary to identify lessons learnt during the COVID-19 pandemic response to guide workforce preparation for future surge planning. Aim: The aim of …

Research Priorities For Nursing And Allied Health: A Priority-Setting Project Using A Partnership Approach, Marina Weckend, Lucy Gent, Erin Godecke, Linda Coventry, Gemma Doleman, Amanda Towell-Barnard, Lisa Whitehead

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Research priorities guide research activities, funding and resources within health services. To ensure that research efforts are meaningful and impactful, it is vital that organisational research agendas reflect the priorities of both healthcare consumers and staff, alongside broader national and international research frameworks. This paper outlines a research priority-setting project conducted across two hospitals in Western Australia, aimed at identifying shared research priorities through a collaborative and inclusive approach. Aim: To identify the top ten nursing and allied health research priorities for two hospitals in Western Australia. Methods: A modified James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership approach was used, …

Optimising Vaginal Microbiome Profiling For Clinical Translation: A Comparative Assessment Of Sample Storage Methods And A Vagina-Specific 16s Rrna Gene Database, Alishum Ali, Jeffrey A. Keelan, Blagica Penova-Veselinovic, Morten E. Allentoft, Michael Bunce, Claus T. Christophersen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Vaginal microbiome composition has been linked to risk of preterm birth (PTB), a persistent global health challenge. 16S rRNA microbial profiling has identified specific vaginal community state types (CSTs) that have been associated with PTB risk. Diagnostic profiling requires standardised pre-analytical protocols. We evaluated two storage methods and validated a curated, vagina-specific 16S rRNA gene database (VagDB) to enhance annotation. Paired Copan FLOQ swabs from 22 women at high PTB risk were processed for either (a) dry/immediate freezing or (b) Amies-stabilisation/refrigeration. Amplicon sequence variants were generated via 16S rRNA gene (V4) PCR and Illumina sequencing. We assessed diversity, composition, and …

Paternal Age Is Associated With Offspring Bone Health—But Not Soft Tissue Composition Or Fracture: The Vitamin D In Pregnancy Study, Mia A. Percival, Kara B. Anderson, Julie A. Pasco, Marc Sim, Sarah M. Hosking, John D. Wark, Natalie K. Hyde

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Summary: Emerging evidence suggests that paternal health may be associated with offspring later life heath. In this study, advanced paternal age at childbirth was associated with poorer offspring bone mineral density and content at age 11 years. These findings suggest that paternal age may impact childhood musculoskeletal development, warranting further investigation. Introduction: Maternal health during pregnancy is known to impact offspring’s later life health. However, emerging evidence suggests that paternal factors may also be important. Advanced paternal age is associated with poorer offspring outcomes, yet few studies assess musculoskeletal outcomes. This study investigated the association between paternal age at childbirth …

Time To Hang Up The Gloves: A Scoping Review Of Evidence On Non-Sterile Glove Use During Intravenous Antimicrobial Preparation And Administration, Natasya Raja Azlan, Debbie Massey, Lesley Andrew, Amanda Towell-Barnard, Seng Giap Marcus Ang, Carol Crevacore, Martina Costello, Aaron Alejandro, Weiting Liu, Naila Zaman, Peta Anne Zimmerman

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aims: To systematically summarise evidence related to the use of non-sterile gloves when preparing and administering intravenous antimicrobials. Design: Scoping review. Methods: A rigorous scoping review was undertaken following Arksey and O'Malley's (2005) framework and the modified Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for scoping review guidelines (2018). Five databases and grey literature were included in the search. Literature published between 2009 and 2024 was included. Data Sources: Five databases (Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science) and the grey literature were searched in February 2024. Results: Three studies were included; however, none directly addressed correct …

International Cardiac Advanced Life Support Course: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Analysis, Nilufeur Mckay, Jody Ede, Jessica Stokes-Parish, Adrian Levine, Helen Walthall, Debbie Massey

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Recognising and responding to cardiac surgical deterioration requires a systematic, structured approach that encompasses monitoring, identifying and managing signs and symptoms of post-surgical complications. Cardiac Advanced Life Support (CALS) was originally developed in recognition of this educational requirement and consists of a series of protocols aimed at supporting clinicians’ recognition and response to the deteriorating cardiac surgical patient. Aim: The aim of this analysis was to evaluate participant perceptions of a CALS course using a descriptive online survey. Design: A cross-sectional analysis of post-course online survey responses assessing participant’ perceptions of the CALS course. Results: 331 surveys were returned …

Midwifery Students' Definitions Of Normal Labor And Birth: A Study From Five Countries, Jalana Lazar, Juliet Wood, Jane Fry, Barbara Baranowska, Urszula Tataj-Puzyna, Debora Dole, Emma Ritchie, Clare Davison, Cindy L. Farley, Felicity Agwu Kalu, Maria Healy, Maria Węgrzynowska

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Internationally, many women and birthing people are receiving maternity care interventions as a routine with no medical indication for their use. This medicalized environment influences midwives' practice and, by extension, midwifery students' clinical learning experiences, gaining knowledge and confidence in facilitating normal labor and birth. To educate midwifery students in the provision of high-quality maternal and newborn care, it is important to explore their understanding of normal labor and birth, as this underpins their philosophy of care and will inform their future practice. Methods: An online survey was developed from a review of current evidence. Following ethical approval, the …

Personal Family-Centred Care For Lgbtq+ Individuals In Acute Hospital Settings: A Scoping Review, Gideon U. Johnson, Bianca Ysabelle Esmeralda, Stephen Pearson, Beverley Ewens, Louise Rose

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: To identify and synthesise existing evidence on family-centred care for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and other diverse identities (LGBTQ+) people in acute hospital settings, including hospital-based palliative care, oncology, general in-patient and intensive care. Design: A scoping review guided by the JBI methodology. Methods: Nine databases and grey literature sources were searched. Inclusion criteria focused on LGBTQ+ adults and family-related care experiences in hospital-based acute settings. After screening, qualitative, quantitative, and narrative data were extracted. Thematic analysis synthesised findings, with quantitative data narratively integrated. Data Sources: Searches were conducted across nine databases and grey literature up to April …

Nurse Leaders’ Perceptions Of Organisational Policies, Guidelines, And Practices That Enact Children And Young People’S Involvement In Hospitals, Mandie Jane Foster, Julie Blamires, Virginia Jones, Smita Keshoor, Chris Moir, Annette Dickinson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

There is limited literature on nurse leaders’ perceptions of organisational policies, guidelines, and practices that enact children and young people’s (CYP) involvement in hospitals. Nurse leaders within what were the four District Health Board providers of children’s tertiary health services in New Zealand (Auckland, Counties Manukau, Wellington, and Canterbury) were invited to respond to an online survey during November 2022 through to January 2023. The survey was developed by the researchers in accordance with the literature and included 11 open-ended questions. The open-ended questions were analysed iteratively through inductive thematic analysis. Eight out of 24 invited nurse leaders responded to …

Nurse Practitioner Students' Perceptions Of An Artificial Intelligence Differential Diagnosis Tool: A Pilot Study, Nilufeur Mckay, Peter Palamara, Adam Mccavery, Kaoru Nosaka, Wai Hang Kwok

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: The aim of this study is to assess nurse practitioner students' perceptions and engagement with Isabel's artificial intelligence (AI) based differential diagnosis tool to support their decision-making skills during their theoretical and clinical placement training. Design: This pilot study used a cross-sectional design. Methods: Twenty-six nurse practitioner students provided feedback on their use of an AI differential diagnosis tool in both academic and clinical contexts. This survey used the Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire to assess the engagement levels and usability of the AI tool. Additional questions were included to evaluate the usage patterns, adequacy in training and confidence in …

Becoming A Nurse: A Lifelong Journey Beyond The Transition To Professional Practice-An Analytical Discursive Paper, Seung A. Park, Eckert, Rebecca Sharp, Judy Duchscher, Micah D.J. Peters

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: To reconceptualise becoming a nurse as a lifelong developmental journey that extends beyond the traditional focus on new graduate transition, and to inform policies and practices supporting recruitment, retention and career sustainability. Background: The global nursing shortage persists, exacerbated by high attrition rates among new graduates and an aging workforce. While existing literature predominantly examines the transition from student to professional practice, we propose that ‘becoming a nurse’ begins earlier and extends beyond clinical roles into retirement. Design: An analytical discursive paper. Data Sources: Key theoretical frameworks (Schlossberg's Transition Model, Kennedy's Integrated Transition Model, Benner's Novice-to-Expert framework and Duchscher's …

How Does Pre-Registration Child Specific Education Prepare Newly Qualified Nurses’ To Care For Children, Young People, And Their Families? An Empty Narrative Review, Matthew Carey, Edge, Julie Blamires, Mandie Foster, Sarah Neill

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This narrative review investigates the influence of child-specific content within pre-registration nursing programs on newly qualified nurses’ perceptions of preparedness to care for children, young people, and their families. Despite international recognition of the specialised competencies required for pediatric nursing, the proportion and quality of child-focused education across Higher Education Institutions is not clear. The Population, Exposure, Outcome framework provided a comprehensive search strategy applied across eight databases to identify relevant studies that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of 663 records identified, 451 were screened and 25 full texts were assessed for eligibility by two reviewers. No studies met …

Non-Pharmacological Sleep Interventions For Dementia Caregivers: A Systematic Review Of Randomized Controlled Trials, Aisling Smyth, Lambert, Mark Jenkins, Adugnaw Zeleke Alem, Misganaw Gebrie Worku, Sujatha Shanmugasundaram

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Caregivers of people living with dementia frequently report poor sleep. This systematic review describes evidence from randomised controlled trials of non-pharmacological sleep interventions for dementia carers. Methods: A systematic search of major databases was undertaken. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane ROB 2.0 tool. Narrative synthesis followed Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) guidelines due to substantial heterogeneity. Findings: Eighteen articles were included. Risk of Bias analyses revealed most studies had high overall risk of bias, primarily from selection of reported result bias. Interventions comprised of five categories: sleep-promoting, carer well-being, exercise, technology-based and complementary therapy. High variability between …

Quantifying Nurse And Midwife-Led Research Impact: Retrospective Application Of The Framework To Assess The Impact From Translational Health Research (Fait) Model On Two Exemplar Randomised Controlled Trials, Kim Neylon, Rouen, Lisa Whitehead, Greg Sharplin, Kathleen Baird, Marion Eckert

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Nurse- and midwife-led clinical trials are underrepresented in Australia and New Zealand, despite their potential to improve health outcomes and deliver economic value. Demonstrating the broader impact of such research is essential to inform policy and funding decisions. Aim: To assess the utility of the Framework to Assess the Impact from Translational health research (FAIT) in capturing the translational impact of nurse- and midwife-led randomised controlled trials through retrospective application to two exemplar studies. Methods: FAIT was retrospectively applied to the RSVP (nurse-led) and DAME (midwife-led) trials using three components: Modified Payback, Economic Analysis, and Narrative. Program Logic Models …

Risk Factors Associated With Delayed Secretory Activation In A Cohort Of Nulliparous Women In Western Australia, Cassandra Cuffe, Giglia, Julie Hill, Matthew N. Cooper, Anita M. Moorhead, Joshua R. Lewis, Deborah Ireson, Therese A. O’Sullivan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Delayed secretory activation can negatively impact maternal and child health through increasing the risk of early cessation of breastfeeding. Early cessation of breastfeeding is known to be associated with increased health risks. Aim: To determine the occurrence of, and risk factors associated with, delayed secretory activation in nulliparous women in Western Australia. Methods: This analysis used a subset of participants (n = 183) enrolled in a multicentre trial. Nulliparous low-risk pregnant women were enrolled between 28–32 weeks’ gestation and followed until 1 week after birth. The association between self-reported delayed secretory activation status (onset 4 days or more postpartum) …

Experiences Of First-Year Nursing Students Using Community Volunteers As Simulated Participants For Teaching Safe Medication Administration: A Cross-Sectional Survey, Hugh Davies, Lea Aboo, Kristi Nicholls, Martina Costello, Carol Crevacore

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aims: To explore responses of first-year nursing students to simulated participant methodology and the level of difficulty playing the role of patient experienced by community volunteers. Background: Absence of therapeutic relationships between nurse and patient threatens medication safety. Simulation-based learning provides a safe environment for students to practice medication administration. Design: Cross-sectional survey incorporating Mezirow’s transformative learning theory. Methods: First-year Bachelor of Science Nursing students participated in a simulated medication administration scenario supported by volunteers playing the role of patients. A Likert and open-ended post-simulation questionnaire measured students’ perceptions of realism in the performance of simulated participant volunteers. Simulated participant …

Gender Justice In The Triple Planetary Crisis: A Scoping Review, Catelyn Richards, Micah Peters, Julia Charalambous, Lila Singh-Peterson, Lucy Osborn, Aletha Ward, Jessica Leclair, Tracy Levett-Jones

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: To identify and report how gender justice is conceptualised and discussed in contemporary health literature in relation to the Triple Planetary Crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss, with a particular focus on the experiences of women and gender-diverse populations, and the representation of nurses and other healthcare professionals dominated by women. Design: Scoping review. Data Sources: Searches were conducted across MEDLINE (Ovid), Scopus, CINHAL, Embase and ProQuest, focusing on studies published from January 1 2000–23 September 2024. Review Methods: The review was conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and reported against the Preferred …

Methodological Approaches To Assessing Clinical Reasoning In Simulation-Based Education: An Integrative Review, Dhanya Anand Anil Kumar, Natasya Raja Azlan, Hugh Davies, Debbie L. Massey, Karen Strickland

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aims: Clinical reasoning is a critical skill for nurses, developing progressively through structured education and clinical experience. Simulation-based learning provides nursing students with a safe, immersive environment to develop this skill if it is thoughtfully designed and rigorously implemented. This review addresses a key gap in nursing education research by exploring methodological trends and key elements to consider for developing simulations to assess clinical reasoning in nursing students. Design: An integrative review using Whittemore and Knafl's framework. Data sources: Six databases (CINAHL, PubMed, ScienceDirect, MEDLINE, PsycInfo and Google Scholar) were searched for studies published from 2014 to September 2025. Review …

Attitudes And Expectations Towards Acupuncture For Primary Dysmenorrhoea: Findings From A Cross-Sectional Survey In Australia, Weiting Liu, Amanda Towell-Barnard, Khui Hung Lee, Timothy Leen Kang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: To describe attitudes towards acupuncture and expectations regarding potential treatment outcomes among women with self-reported primary dysmenorrhoea (PD) residing in Australia. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive online survey was conducted to assess attitudes and treatment expectancy using an adapted version of previously published complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) attitude scale and a validated acupuncture expectancy scale (AES). Data were analysed descriptively, with exploratory analysis conducted to support the interpretation of response patterns. Ethical approval was obtained from the Edith Cowan University Human Research Ethics Committee (2023-04471-LIU) and participants provided electronic informed consent. Results: A total of 247 responses were received. …

Barriers And Facilitators To Providing Women Postpartum Care By Health Care Providers In The First 12 Months After Childbirth: A Systematic Qualitative Meta-Aggregation Review, Maryam Rouhi, Silvana Bettiol, Sarah Prior, Narges Rouhi, Theodora Dedo Azu, Christine Stirling, Lynne Staff, Linda Jones, Antigoni Leftherioti, Patricia Nicholson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Postpartum care is crucial for maternal and infant health but remains inconsistently administered. This systematic qualitative review aimed to synthesize health care providers’ perspectives by exploring the barriers and facilitators experienced by health care providers in administering optimal maternal care during the first 12 months after childbirth. Methods: A systematic qualitative meta-aggregation review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. Peer-reviewed qualitative studies from January 2010 to April 2024 were retrieved from MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, and Web of Science. Findings were mapped onto the Behavioral Model of Health Services Use. Results: Twenty-three studies were included. Four key themes …

Feasibility Of A Clinical Supervision Training Program For Mental Health Nurses: A Mixed-Methods Study, Jennifer Hamilton, Lesley Barr, Marie Boulianne, Irene Ngune, Julie Sharrock, Debbie Massey

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Clinical supervision is widely recognised as a valuable method of workplace support and professional development. Effective supervision requires clinical supervisors to be trained on theory and practice. Oftentimes, training is interdisciplinary and may not address discipline-specific needs. Aim: This study evaluated the implementation of a clinical supervision training program developed specifically for mental health nurses and informed by community and consumer involvement. Methods: A convergent parallel mixed-method design was used. A purposeful sample of 18 mental health nurses who completed the training program participated. Data collection included the Acceptability, Feasibility, Appropriateness Scale and open-ended qualitative survey responses. Quantitative data …

Effects Of Immediate Skin-To-Skin Contact In Preterm Infants In High-Resource Settings: A Systematic Review, Victoria Rettedal, Siren Rettedal, Maren Johanne Heilskov Rytter, Linea Grothe Larsen, Frederikke Buskov, Evalotte Mörelius, Katrin Mehler, Karoline Lode-Kolz

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: A landmark trial published in 2021 demonstrated a 25% reduction in neonatal mortality when comparing immediate skin-to-skin contact (iSSC) to conventional care in infants with birthweight 1–1.8 kg in low- and middle-resource settings. New evidence from randomised clinical trials on iSSC in high-resource settings has recently become available. This systematic review aimed to evaluate evidence for immediate/early SSC, defined as initiated within 1 h after birth, versus conventional care in inborn preterm infants in high-resource settings.

Methods: Ten electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL, from 2000 until February 2026, were searched. Randomised clinical trials comparing iSSC to …