Survey on the practice of skin-to-skin contact in Spanish neonatal units during the first days of life. Influence of the presence of umbilical catheters

Abstract

Introduction

Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) offers multiple benefits in preterm newborns (PTNBs), but its implementation can be delayed due to the presence of some devices such as umbilical venous catheters (UVCs). Our objective was to evaluate the practice of SSC in PTNBs in Spanish neonatal units and how the type of catheter affects its initiation.

Methods

We distributed a survey through the Sociedad Española de Neonatología to Spanish neonatal units, analyzing the timing of SSC initiation and the influence on this practice of the types of devices being used.

Results

We obtained a total of 74 responses from centers across all 17 autonomous communities in Spain, of which 67.6% admitted PTNBs of any gestational age or birth weight. In 39.2% of the units, SSC was initiated within the first 24 hours of life (26% in the case of units that admitted PTNBs born before 28 weeks and/or weighing less than 1000 grams).

In 86.5% of the centers, UVC insertion in PTNBs was a routine procedure, and 59.5% reported that the type of inserted catheter affected the timing of SSC initiation. Skin-to-skin contact in infants carrying an UVC was performed in 37.8% of the units, but it was either not performed or rarely performed in the rest.

Conclusion

There is significant variability in the timing of SSC initiation in PTNBs in Spain, and the use of UVCs has been identified as a potential barrier to early implementation. The existence of clinical guidelines or protocols could help improve PTNB care and standardize practices across different units.