(1052) A Tool is Not a Program: How to Successfully Transition to an Infant-Driven Feeding Program in Your NICU

Poster Presenter(s)

Lisa U. Kleinz, SLP/L, CNT, CLC

Director of Education
Handi-craft Company
Westmont, Illinois, United States
Disclosure: Handi-craft company (Employee) (Products/Services: Handi-craft is the owner of the Infant-Driven Feeding Program and Zero Resistance Bottles)

Premature infants continue to remain in the NICU due to feeding challenges. In addition, up to 40-70% of NICU infants have later feeding problems. While each infant is different, inconsistent feeding culture and practices continue to play in role. The time has come for our units to develop research-based feeding programs that are consistent and fully implemented.

Learning Objectives:

Describe at least 2 benefits of implementing a total unit program for changing unit feeding culture.
Identify at least 2 components of an implementation program.
List and describe the 4 stages of a PDSA cycle and relate to a project in their own NICU.