Cue-based versus scheduled feeding for preterm infants

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Development and feasibility study of an evidence-informed manualised intervention to compare CUe-Based versus Scheduled feeding for preterm infants transitioning from tube to oral feeding in neonatal units

  • IRAS ID

    244919

  • Contact name

    Alison Mcfadden

  • Contact email

    a.m.mcfadden@dundee.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Dundee

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 8 months, 31 days

  • Research summary

    The transition to oral feeding is a critical stage for preterm infants. Evidence suggests that feeding in response to signs that the baby is hungry and ready to feed (cue-based feeding) may have benefits for preterm infants and their parents. However, the evidence is weak or lacking on the benefits of cue-based compared to scheduled feeding. Current practice in the UK varies and there are barriers to implementing cue-based feeding including concerns about feeding volume and weight gain, and supporting parents and staff to understand and interpret infant feeding cues.
    The 21-month study will develop an intervention and assess whether it is feasible to conduct a future trial comparing cue-based feeding with scheduled feeding for preterm infants in neonatal units.
    The study has four parts:
    Part 1: We will conduct a review of literature; learn from neonatal units who use cue-based feeding, and conduct a telephone survey of 20 neonatal units across the UK to assess variation in practice; and explore parents’ and staff’s understanding and attitudes to cue-based feeding.
    Part 2: We will work with parents and other stakeholders to create the intervention which will include training materials for staff.
    Part 3: We will assess the willingness of parents and staff to implement the intervention, and find out if it would be practical and acceptable to conduct a future randomised controlled trial. We will test the intervention in three neonatal units that have different approaches the transition to oral feeding in preterm infants, and that serve different populations.
    Part 4: We will host a stakeholder workshop to agree the final version of the intervention, and the study recommendations for the feasibility and acceptability of a future trial.
    The key outputs are the intervention incorporating relevant training and implementation requirements; and suggested designs and outcomes for a future study.

  • REC name

    East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1

  • REC reference

    18/ES/0059

  • Date of REC Opinion

    28 May 2018

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion