ISSN: 2640-2734
Authors: Calk P*
Objective: Interventions within the scope of occupational therapy were examined to identify the effectiveness of prefeeding interventions toimprovefeedingoutcomesofprematureinfants.Evidence-based methods ofperi-oral and intra-oral stimulationandoral supportwereexploredandwillbediscussed inthis review. Method: Literature published from 1995 to 2015 using eight electronic databases and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was searched. Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were critically appraised and synthesized. Results: Analysis revealed bestpractices utilizing four areas of intervention: oral motor stimulation, non- nutritive sucking, oral support, andco-interventions. Conclusion: For infants, feeding is a vital occupation that supports growth and development. However, premature infants often have difficulties with the feeding process. Occupational therapists working with pre- term infants must have a sufficient understanding of the evidence to be able to employ best practices to improve pre-feeding readiness and oral feedings. Immature suck-swallow-breath coordination; absent, delayed, or impaired oral reflexes; abnormal muscle tone; and impaired motor control impact the infant’s safe and successful oral intake of adequate nutrition. Strong evidence supports theuse ofperi-oral and intra-oral stimulation forpre-feeding readiness andpreparation topromote successful oral feeding in preterm infants. There is also strong evidence to substantiate the use of oral support during feeding of preterm infants to increase suction and decrease liquid loss topromote efficient intake of nutrition.
Keywords: Feeding Methods; Intensive Care Units; Neonatal; Occupational Therapy; Review Literature As Topic; Infant; Premature
