Nurses' experiences using conventional overhead phototherapy versus fibreoptic blankets for the treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia

BackgroundIn some neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), conventional overhead phototherapy is the only phototherapy available, whereas others use fibreoptic blankets only. Several NICUs use both treatments interchangeably.AimTo explore how nurses experience the use of conventional versus fibreoptic phototherapy.MethodSix qualitative in-depth interviews involving nurses at three different NICUs with experience in both treatments were conducted.ResultsFollowing experiences were revealed: i) Infants displayed discomfort while under phototherapy, whereas blanket use promoted infant satisfaction. ii) Blankets increased parents' satisfaction by facilitating bonding, breastfeeding and kangaroo care. iii) The nurses disagreed as to whether fibreoptic blankets and conventional treatment have similar effects. iv) Nurses were concerned about the possible harm and discomfort to the eyes and skin of infants caused by phototherapy.ConclusionWhen the efficacy was considered sufficient, nurses preferred blankets compared with conventional overhead, because of ability to facilitate infant comfort and parent–child interaction.