BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CARE OF NEWBORNS WITH NEONATAL ABSTINENCE SYNDROME

Abstract

This thesis will explore the research on interventions used to manage neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). NAS is a drug withdrawal syndrome that affects a baby after birth who was exposed to drugs, typically opiates, in utero. Symptoms include extreme irritability and inconsolability caused by hyperactivity of the central nervous system and gastrointestinal system. The literature examined explores the employment of non-pharmacological interventions such as breastfeeding, swaddling, kangaroo care, rooming- in, and the eat-sleep-console method, as first priority interventions. As these interventions are becoming more and more prevalent in practice, it is necessary to understand which interventions are efficient at reducing length of treatment of pharmacologic management and length and cost of stay. In addition, it is necessary to evaluate the same outcomes with regards to pharmacologic interventions in order to identify the best practice in the case that medications become ethically necessary. Beyond the review of current literature, this paper will identify best-practice recommendations, a proposed implementation plan, and a proposed evaluation of the implementation process.