Mental Health Support and Screening for Mood Disorders for Caregivers in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Is the Call to Arms being Answered?

OBJECTIVE: Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) affect many NICU parents and are a significant risk factor for maternal suicide. Lack of screening and treatment interferes with infant development and bonding, compounding risks in fragile infants. We aim to describe PMAD screening in level IV NICUs across the Children's Hospitals Neonatal Consortium (CHNC) and to determine the relationship between standardized screening and mental health professionals (MHPs) presence. STUDY DESIGN: We surveyed experts at 44 CHNC NICUs about PMADs screening practices and presence of NICU-specific MHPs. Kruskal Wallis test was used to examine relationships. RESULTS: Of 44 centers, 34 (77%) responded. 14 centers (41%) perform screening with validated tools. 13 (38%) centers have NICU-dedicated psychologists. Formally-screening centers tend to have higher cumulative MHPs (p=0.089) than informally screening centers. Repeat screening practices were highly variable with no difference in the number of cumulative MHPs. CONCLUSION: Screening practices for PMADs vary across CHNC centers; less than half have additional MHPs beyond social workers. Creating a sustainable model to detect PMADs likely requires more MHPs in NICUs.

Comparative analysis of machine learning versus traditional method for early detection of parental depression symptoms in the NICU.

Introduction: Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission is a stressful experience for parents. NICU parents are twice at risk of depression symptoms compared to the general birthing population. Parental mental health problems have harmful long-term effects on both parents and infants. Timely screening and treatment can reduce these negative consequences. Objective: Our objective is to compare the performance of the traditional logistic regression with other machine learning (ML) models in identifying parents who are more likely to have depression symptoms to prioritize screening of at-risk parents. We used data obtained from parents of infants discharged from the NICU at Children's National Hospital (n = 300) from 2016 to 2017. This dataset includes a comprehensive list of demographic characteristics, depression and stress symptoms, social support, and parent/infant factors. Study design: Our study design optimized eight ML algorithms - Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machine, Decision Tree, Random Forest, XGBoost, Naïve Bayes, K-Nearest Neighbor, and Artificial Neural Network - to identify the main risk factors associated with parental depression. We compared models based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), positive predicted value (PPV), sensitivity, and F-score. Results: The results showed that all eight models achieved an AUC above 0.8, suggesting that the logistic regression-based model's performance is comparable to other common ML models. Conclusion: Logistic regression is effective in identifying parents at risk of depression for targeted screening with a performance comparable to common ML-based models.

Associations between Parental Engagement in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Neighborhood-Level Socioeconomic Status.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to (1) determine the effect of neighborhood-level socioeconomic status (SES), which considers the social and physical environment where a person lives, on parental engagement in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and (2) compare the relationships between parental engagement and individual versus neighborhood-level measures of SES. STUDY DESIGN: In this cohort study, parents (n = 45) of premature neonates ≤34 weeks' gestation were assessed at 2 and 6 weeks after birth from December 2017 to October 2019. Neighborhood-level SES was determined using census data per the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs' methodology, and parents self-reported their education level as an individual-level measure of SES. Data on frequency of engagement in NICU activities, including telephone updates, visitation, providing expressed breastmilk, and participating in kangaroo care, were collected from the electronic medical record. Parent psychosocial factors were assessed using validated surveys. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test, t-test, and logistic regression. RESULTS: In multivariate regression analysis, disadvantaged neighborhood-level SES was associated with decreased odds of kangaroo care (OR = 0.16, 95% CI: [0.03-0.89]) and visitation (OR = 0.14, 95% CI: [0.02-0.87]), while lower individual-level SES was not significantly associated with kangaroo care, visiting, calling, or pumping (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Parental engagement was more consistently and significantly associated with neighborhood-level SES than with individual-level SES. Therefore, neighborhood-level SES measures may be more explanatory than individual-level SES measures. Further studies and targeted interventions are needed to address disparities in the frequency of kangaroo care and visitation according to SES. KEY POINTS: · Parents from disadvantaged neighborhoods are less likely to do kangaroo care and visit the NICU.. · Parent engagement was more significantly associated with neighborhood than with parent education.. · Neighborhood-level SES measures may be more explanatory than individual-level SES measures.. · Interventions are needed to address SES-related disparities in NICU kangaroo care and visitation..

Improving parental mental health in the perinatal period: A review and analysis of quality improvement initiatives.

Parental mental health is an essential sixth vital sign that, when taken into consideration, allows clinicians to improve clinical outcomes for both parents and infants. Although standards exist for screening, referral, and treatment for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), they are not reliably done in practice, and even when addressed, interventions are often minimal in scope. Quality improvement methodology can accelerate the implementation of interventions to address PMADs, but hurdles exist, and systems are not well designed, particularly in pediatric inpatient facilities. In this article, we review the effect of PMADs on parents and their infants and identify quality improvement interventions that can increase screening and referral to treatment of parents experiencing PMADs.

Improving Documentation of Pain Reassessment after Pain Management Interventions in the NICU.

Background: Neonates exposed to painful procedures require pain assessment and reassessment using nonverbal scales. Nurses perform initial assessments routinely, but reassessment is variable. The goal was to increase pain reassessments in neonates with a previous score of 4 or higher within 60 minutes from 50% to 75% within 12 months. Methods: After identifying key drivers, we tested several interventions using the IHI's Model for Improvement. The outcome measure was the rate of reassessments within 1 hour after scoring ≥4 on the Neonatal Pain Agitation and Sedation Scale (N-PASS). Duration of time between scoring and intervention was documented. Interventions included electronic health record (EHR) changes, direct communication with bedside nurses through text messages and emails, in-person education, and a yearly competency module. The process measure was the number of messages/emails to staff. Sedation scores were the balancing measure. Results: Baseline compliance was 50% with significant variability. A centerline shift occurred after the first intervention. After the first four interventions in the following 3 months, a 29% total increase occurred. Overall time-lapse between reassessments decreased from 102 to 90 minutes. Overall sedation scores decreased from -2.5 during the baseline to -1.7 during the sustain period. The goal of 75% pain reassessments was achieved and sustained for two years. Conclusions: Automated tools such as the trigger report provided data that increased noncompliance visibility. Real-time and personalized reminders and education improved awareness and set the tone for culture change. Electronic health record reminders for reassessments and standardized annual education helped in sustaining change.

Neonatal airway management training using simulation-based educational methods and technology.

Airway management is a fundamental component of neonatal critical care and requires a high level of skill. Neonatal endotracheal intubation (ETI), bag-mask ventilation, and supraglottic airway management are complex technical skills to acquire and continually maintain. Simulation training has emerged as a leading educational modality to accelerate the acquisition of airway management skills and train interprofessional teams. However, current simulation-based training does not always replicate neonatal airway management needed for patient care with a high level of fidelity. Educators still rely on clinical training on live patients. In this article, we will a) review the importance of simulation-based neonatal airway training for learners and clinicians, b) evaluate the available training modalities, instructional design, and challenges for airway procedural skill acquisition, especially neonatal ETI, and c) describe the human factors affecting the transfer of airway training skills into the clinical environment.

Laryngeal Mask Airway Clinical Use and Training: A Survey of North American Neonatal Health Care Professionals.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore North American neonatal health care professionals' (HCPs) experience, confidence, skill, and training with the laryngeal mask airway (LMA). STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional survey. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 2,159 HCPs from Canada and the United States. Seventy nine percent had no clinical experience with the LMA, and less than 20% considered the LMA an alternative to endotracheal intubation (EI). The majority had received LMA training; however, 28% of registered nurses, 18% of respiratory therapists, 17% of physicians, and 12% of midwives had never inserted an LMA in a mannequin. Less than a quarter of respondents agreed that the current biennial Neonatal Resuscitation Program instruction paradigm is sufficient for LMA training. All groups reported low confidence and skill with LMA insertion, and compared with all other groups, the respiratory therapists had the highest reported confidence and skill. CONCLUSION: This survey study, which is the first of its kind to include midwives, demonstrates that neonatal HCPs lack experience, confidence, skill, and training with the LMA, rarely use the device, and in general, do not consider the LMA as an alternative to EI. These findings contribute to, and support the findings of previous smaller studies, and in conjunction with the diminishing opportunities for EI, highlight the need for programs to emphasize the importance of the LMA for neonatal airway management and prioritize regular LMA training, with focus that parallels the importance placed on the skills of EI and mask ventilation. KEY POINTS: · Lack of training for laryngeal mask airway use in neonatal resuscitation.. · Neonatal health care professionals rarely use the laryngeal mask airway as an alternate airway device.. · Neonatal health care professionals lack confidence and skill with the laryngeal mask airway..

Asynchronous Learning Module for Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physicians on How to Manage Vaginal Birth and Neonatal Resuscitation in the Emergency Department.

OBJECTIVES: Newborn deliveries and neonatal resuscitation events are rare but essential skills for pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) physicians. We sought to evaluate the effect of an online module on PEM physicians' knowledge and confidence in managing newborn deliveries and neonatal resuscitation. METHODS: A team of experts in PEM, obstetrics, neonatology, and medical education developed a self-directed, 1-hour online module on managing newborn deliveries with neonatal resuscitation. The module was designed to address the learning needs of the targeted group. The module was piloted before dissemination to PEM faculty. A 10-question multiple choice test was given to assess knowledge of the material covered. A 10-point Likert scale questions survey was used to evaluate confidence. Measures were administered before initiation, after module completion, and 6 months after completion. Paired t tests were used to compare mean knowledge scores, and rank sum tests were used to compare median confidence levels. RESULTS: Most (n = 47, 89%) of the PEM faculty members completed the module. The majority (n = 43, 91%) thought the information was relevant to their practice. After completing the module, physicians' overall knowledge scores improved by 18% (mean [SD]: 74% [14.7] vs 92% [8.0], P < 0.01). Self-assessed confidence improved after the module in terms of managing uncomplicated vaginal deliveries (median 5 vs 7, P < 0.01), care of patients with complicated vaginal deliveries (2 vs 5, P < 0.01), and managing neonatal resuscitation (7 vs 8, P < 0.01). During the 6-month follow-up, there was sustained improvement in physicians' overall knowledge score (82% [16.9], P = 0.007) and self-assessed confidence in managing complicated vaginal deliveries (median 2 vs 4, P = 0.0012); however, other measures were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: An online module is an appropriate method for training PEM providers about rarely used but essential skills such as managing vaginal deliveries and neonatal resuscitation.

Addressing caregiver mental health in the neonatal ICU.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The neonatal ICU (NICU) setting is a unique opportunity to not only detect major changes in caregiver mental health through universal perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD) screening but also intervene with specialized support. We review evidence for addressing caregiver mental health in the NICU, explore current guidelines and models for integrated behavioural health programmes, and describe challenges specific to NICUs, particularly in standalone paediatric hospitals. RECENT FINDINGS: Parents of infants admitted to the NICU are at an increased risk for developing PMADs at rates well above the general postpartum community. Select NICUs within the United States and internationally have recognized the importance of having an embedded psychologist to address caregiver PMADs. However, organizational structures within paediatric healthcare systems are not equipped to manage the logistical, ethical, legal and practical needs of comprehensive caregiver mental health programmes. SUMMARY: To properly address caregiver mental health in NICU settings, clinical and administrative teams must work together to ensure seamless service provision. Systems that facilitate the development of unique parent medical records at the onset of paediatric care are likely to significantly reduce potential liability risks and solve several challenges related to caregiver-focused mental health support in the NICU. VIDEO ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/MOP/A70.

Sociodemographic risk factors, parental stress and social support in the neonatal intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate relationships among neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parent demographics, reported stress and social support. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observation. SETTING: Tertiary referral NICU in Mid-Atlantic USA. PATIENTS: Parents (n=300) in the Giving Parents Support trial at enrolment. MEASURES: Psychometric scales measured general stress, parental stress, NICU stress and social support. Demographic variables included education level, health insurance type, race, relationship status, age and gender. Length of stay was used to control for illness severity. Associations and potential modifying effects were evaluated using linear regression. RESULTS: Having less than a college degree (b=-2.52, SE=0.91) and female parent gender (b=-3.42, SE=1.47) were associated with lower parental stress scores. Older age in years was associated with higher parental stress scores (b=0.21, SE=0.07) but lower NICU stress scores (b=-0.01, SE=0.01). Greater social support scores were associated with lower scores of general (b=-2.76, SE=0.39) and parental stress (b=-1.71, SE=0.47). Less than a college degree (b=-0.26, SE=0.11), Medicaid insurance (b=-0.43, SE=0.11) and black race (b=-0.56, SE=0.12) were associated with decreased social support scores. Level of social support modified the relationship between education and parental stress, with higher social support decreasing education-based differences in parental stress scores (p=0.049). CONCLUSION: Sociodemographic risk factors may not infer stress or risk in the anticipated direction. Practice and future research should focus on identifying and supporting NICU families at high risk for stress and low support. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02643472.

Parental resilience and psychological distress in the neonatal intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the associations between parental resilience and psychological distress during the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization. STUDY DESIGN: Observational cohort study of parents of preterm infants (n = 45) admitted to a NICU between December 2017-October 2019. Data on resilience and psychological distress were collected using validated scales. Regression analysis was used to evaluate associations. RESULT: One-third of NICU parents screened positive for depression or anxiety. There were no identified sociodemographic factors or parental engagement activities associated with resilience. Parents with higher resilience had lower scores on depression and anxiety screens. However, resilience alone was not a predictor for a positive depression or anxiety screen (aOR 0.93, CI 0.86-1.00; aOR 0.95, CI 0.89-1.02, respectively). CONCLUSION: Resilience may be associated with lower scores on depression and anxiety screens but is not an independent predictor for a positive screen during the early NICU hospitalization.

Defining Objective Measures of Physician Stress in Simulated Critical Communication Encounters.

This study had three aims: 1) quantify the difference in stress levels between low and high stress roles during simulated critical communication encounters using objective physiologic data (heart rate variability [HRV]) and subjective measures (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI]), 2) define the relationship between subjective and objective measures of stress, and 3) define the impact of trainee preparedness and reported self-efficacy on stress levels. DESIGN: Mixed methods simulation-based study. SETTING: Single center. PATIENTS: Pediatric critical care fellows and faculty (n = 12). INTERVENTIONS: Subjects participated in six simulated scenarios in both high stress "hot seat" and low stress "observer" roles. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Subjective stress was measured using the STAI at baseline and after each scenario. Objective stress was measured continuously using a wearable biometric device measuring HRV. Previous residency communication training and self-confidence surrounding various communication topics were collected via questionnaire. Significant changes in subjective (STAI) and objective stress (HRV) measurements in the low- versus high-stress roles were observed. STAI scores increased 8 points during low stress and 12 points during high stress role (p = 0.021) compared with baseline. Two specific HRV markers, root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats, a marker of parasympathetic tone, and the low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF) ratio, a marker of sympathetic activation, were significantly correlated with STAI levels (-0.032, p = 0.001; 1.030, p = 0.002, respectively). Participants who reported increased confidence in discussing code status had a significant decrease in stress response (measured via LF/HF ratio) during both the observer (p = 0.033) and hot seat roles (p = <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Communicating life-altering news in a simulated environment is a stressful experience. This stress results in physiologic changes that can be measured continuously using HRV. HRV measurement may serve as a novel method in evaluating the effectiveness of communication training programs and measuring future stress-reduction interventions.

Giving parents support: a randomized trial of peer support for parents after NICU discharge.

BACKGROUND: Peer support during inpatient hospitalization has been recommended for NICU parents and can improve maternal mental health. Less is known about the impact of peer support after NICU discharge on parental mental health and infant healthcare utilization. METHODS: Three hundred families of infants approaching discharge from a Level IV NICU were randomized to receive a care notebook (control) or care notebook plus peer support for 12 months (intervention). Participants reported on measures of stress, depression, anxiety, self-efficacy, and infant healthcare utilization. Analysis compared outcomes between control and treatment groups. RESULTS: Parental depression, anxiety, stress, and self-efficacy improved significantly for all participants, yet there were no differences between control and intervention groups. Infant ED visits, hospitalizations, immunization status, and developmental status at 12 months did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Peer support after NICU discharge did not improve self-reported parental mental health measures or infant healthcare utilization. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02643472.

Vulnerability of Inexperience: A Qualitative Exploration of Physician Grief and Coping after Impactful Pediatric Patient Deaths.

Background: Caring for dying patients can result in burnout, stress, and emotional trauma for some physicians,1,2 particularly among trainees. Research is lacking that focuses on the emotional impact and coping techniques utilized by novice and experienced pediatricians after impactful pediatric patient deaths. Objectives: To define the salient features of an impactful pediatric patient death and physicians' grief and coping responses. As a secondary aim, we explored the cognitive and emotional training physicians described as helpful or would be helpful when coping after impactful patient deaths. Design: We conducted a prospective qualitative study using semistructured interviews and applied descriptive thematic content analysis to the transcribed interviews. Setting/Subjects: We enrolled pediatric intensive care unit trainees and attendings in a single United States institution over a six-month period from January 2021 to June 2021. Results: Both trainee and attending physicians were most impacted by acute or unexpected patient deaths. Trainees were particularly impacted by their first or early career patient deaths. Both groups found talking about the death of a patient the most helpful coping mechanism. Attending physicians coped with positive reframing, whereas novices more frequently utilized avoidance, numbing, and rumination. The importance of experienced physician's role modeling vulnerability and supporting trainee growth rather than "getting it right" were highlighted as trainee coping gaps. Conclusions: Novice physicians are particularly vulnerable to acute stress after the death of a patient and require additional coping resources and supports. Future projects should explore the impact of teaching emotion-focused coping techniques on trainee resiliency and coping after early career patient deaths.

Simulation in neonatal care: towards a change in traditional training?

Simulation has traditionally been used in neonatal medicine for educational purposes which include training of novice learners, maintaining competency of health care providers, and training of multidisciplinary teams to handle crisis situations such as neonatal resuscitation. Current guidelines recommend the use of simulation as an education tool in neonatal practice. The place of simulation-based education has gradually expanded, including in limited resource settings, and is starting to show its impact on improving patient outcomes on a global basis. Over the past years, simulation has become a cornerstone in clinical settings with the goal of establishing high quality, safe, reliable systems. The aim of this review is to describe neonatal simulation training as an effective tool to improve quality of care and patient outcomes, and to encourage the use of simulation-based training in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for not only education, but equally for team building, risk management and quality improvement. CONCLUSION: Simulation is a promising tool to improve patient safety, team performance, and ultimately patient outcomes, but scarcity of data on clinically relevant outcomes makes it difficult to estimate its real impact. The integration of simulation into the clinical reality with a goal of establishing high quality, safe, reliable, and robust systems to improve patient safety and patient outcomes in neonatology must be a priority. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Simulation-based education has traditionally focused on procedural and technical skills. • Simulation-based training is effective in teaching non-technical skills such as communication, leadership, and teamwork, and is recommended in neonatal resuscitation. WHAT IS NEW: • There is emerging evidence for the impact of simulation-based training on patient outcomes in neonatal care, but data on clinically relevant outcomes are scarce. • Simulation is a promising tool for establishing high quality, safe, reliable, and robust systems to improve patient safety and patient outcomes.

Simulation for Neonatal Endotracheal Intubation Training: How Different Is It From Clinical Practice?

INTRODUCTION: Neonatal endotracheal intubation is a critical skill that is difficult for learners to acquire even with simulation-based training (SBT). Trainees prefer clinical experiences over SBT. The objective of the study was to explore the differences between SBT and clinical practice in acquiring neonatal intubation skills to inform mannequin design and to improve fidelity. METHODS: A basic qualitative study using semistructured interviews was conducted to determine the experience of newly competent trainees (second- and third-year neonatal-perinatal medicine fellows) and their instructors in developing intubation skills. Participants were asked to compare learning through SBT with clinical practice in terms of context, equipment, and environment. Their responses were analyzed using an inductive approach. RESULTS: Thirty-two participants (20 fellows and 12 faculty) indicated that SBT does not equal the real experience. Specifically, the look, feel, and function of the simulators differ enough from the real patient and the clinical environmental that they do not elicit the desired learning responses. The clinical environment prompted heightened emotions and had a chaotic atmosphere that was not fully captured by SBT. Participants suggested that programs use SBT in the initial phases of training only to gain basic skills and they provided several solutions for mannequin and SBT session design. CONCLUSIONS: Simulation-based training does not fully prepare neonatal-perinatal medicine fellows for neonatal intubation. Mannequins with unique active features, such as multiple airway configurations, slipperiness, secretions, and softer textures should be developed. Realistic environments that replicate the interprofessional nature and stressors of the clinical environment might better prepare learners for the complexity of clinical practice.

An Assessment of Pediatric Resident Disaster Preparedness for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the level of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) disaster preparedness among pediatric residents. METHODS: A mixed-methods study including qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys was used. Interviews guided survey development. Surveys were distributed to residents who rotated through Children's National NICU. Questions assessed residents' background in disaster preparedness, disaster protocol knowledge, NICU preparedness, roles during surge and evacuation, and views on training and education. RESULTS: Survey response was 62.5% (n = 80) with 51.3% of invited residents completing it. Pediatric residents (PGY-2 and PGY-3) (n = 41) had low levels of individual disaster preparedness, particularly evacuations (86%). None were aware of specific NICU disaster protocols. Patient acuity, role ambiguity, knowledge, and training deficits were major contributors to unpreparedness. Residents viewed their role as system facilitators (eg, performing duties assigned, recruiting other residents, and clerical work like documentation). Resident training requests included disaster preparedness training every NICU rotation (48%) using multidisciplinary simulations (66%), role definition (56%), and written protocols (50%). Despite their unpreparedness, residents (84%) were willing to respond. CONCLUSION: Pediatric residents lacked knowledge of NICU disaster response but were willing to respond to disasters. Training should include multi-disciplinary simulations that can be refined iteratively to clarify roles, and residents should be involved in planning and execution.

Perinatal Mental Health Task Force: Integrating Care Across a Pediatric Hospital Setting.

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are the most common complication of childbirth, with suicide a leading cause of postpartum deaths. PMADs are associated with poor maternal, infant, and family outcomes. Identification and early intervention are imperative for successful treatment. This case study describes the implementation and outcomes of a multidisciplinary Perinatal Mental Health Task Force ("Task Force") at one urban academic children's hospital that was created to promote systems change and health care policy solutions for improved identification and treatment of PMADs. Using the social ecological model as a framework, the Task Force addressed care at the individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy levels. The Task Force applied lessons learned from division-specific screening initiatives to create best practices and make hospital-wide recommendations. This foundational work enabled us to build community bridges and break down internal barriers to shift our pediatric hospital toward prioritizing perinatal mental health. As a result, screening expanded to multiple hospital locations and became a hospital corporate goal, the Perinatal Mental Health Screening Tool Kit was created and disseminated within the community, Task Force members testified in governmental hearings and joined national organizations to inform policy, and Task Force and community collaborations resulted in significant grant funding. Lessons learned have been disseminated nationally. Moving forward, we aim to expand our program and partnerships to ensure that caregivers of infants receive appropriate mental health support to strengthen family well-being. The Task Force can serve as a model for advocates looking to expand and integrate PMAD care.