Effect Of Applying Aluminum Foil Reflector During Phototherapy Combined With Nursing Care On Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia

Abstract

Background: Phototherapy has long been recognized as an effective treatment for neonates with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of applying aluminum foil reflector during phototherapy combined with nursing care on neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Subject and method: A quasi-experimental research design was used in the current study in the neonatal intensive care unit at Minia university hospital for obstetric and pediatrics and Minia general hospital. The sample was 70 neonates and 60 nurses. Two tools were used; Tool I: A selfadministered questionnaire and Tool II: The neonatal outcome sheet. Results: More than half of the neonatal nurses had satisfactory knowledge related to neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and the majority of them had a competent level in caring of high-risk neonates under phototherapy. The mean score of bilirubin value was decreased in the aluminum foil group compared to the control group before the neonatal discharge from the hospital with statistically significant differences. Most of the studied neonates in the aluminum foil group were discharged after 48 hours compared to threequarters of the neonates in the control group with statistically significant differences and this finding evidenced the large effect of applying aluminuim foil as well as nurses' knowledge and practices on bilirubin value before discharge among the studied sample. Conclusion: Applying an aluminum foil reflector during phototherapy combined with nursing care is effective in reducing the bilirubin levels of full-term neonates. Recommendation: Prepare written guidelines in the neonatal intensive care unit about phototherapy combined with aluminum foil reflectors to enhance the management of hyperbilirubinemia.