Plagiocephaly in Premature Infants: Enhancing NICU Caregiver Education

Objective: To improve NICU nurses’ confidence in preventing and managing plagiocephaly in premature infants through a one-on-one educational session.Design: One-group post-test design for a quality improvement initiative. Setting: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Summerlin Hospital Medical Center. Participants: 20 NICU Nurses. Measures: Post-session questionnaire including close-ended Likert scale and open-ended questions. Results: Mean scores ranged from 3.5 to 4.0, with the highest rating for the helpfulness of the session format (mean = 4.0) and the lowest for confidence in alternating infant positioning (mean = 3.5). Standard deviations ranged from 0 to 0.59, indicating strong agreement regarding the session format to be helpful, while moderate variability regarding confidence to implement specific strategies. Thematic analysis of responses identified several themes: reinforcement of learning, practical application, individualized learning experience, engagement and participation, personalized attention and support, and increased understanding. Conclusion: The one-on-one educational format effectively improved NICU nurses’ confidence and understanding of plagiocephaly prevention. Participants reported that the content provided a better understanding of the topic. These findings support the need for educational discussions and initiatives within the NICU to improve developmental outcomes for premature infants.