To implement and evaluate a systematic approach for managing preterm infants <31 weeks of gestational age and/or estimated fetal weight <1300 g during their first hour of life, focusing on organizational efficiency, thermal regulation, hypoglycemia prevention, and assessing clinical outcomes and team perception.
Key Findings:
GH infants had less hypothermia (23/77 vs. 36/72, p = 0.03), with specific metrics for hypoglycemia and mortality rates provided.
First blood glycemia evaluation occurred significantly earlier in the GH group (43 min vs. 63 min, p < 0.001).
Median incubator closure time was 64 minutes, close to the target of 60 minutes.
Rates of hypoglycemia, mortality, and major comorbidities were similar between groups, with specific percentages included.
Team members reported improved anticipation, communication, and job satisfaction.
Interpretation:
The Golden Hour protocol improved thermal regulation and team efficiency without negatively impacting clinical outcomes, suggesting its potential for enhancing care in preterm infants and its applicability in other NICUs.
Limitations:
Single-center study may limit generalizability and introduce biases.
Short follow-up period may not capture long-term outcomes.
Conclusion:
The GH protocol demonstrates effectiveness in improving procedural efficiency and team dynamics, warranting further evaluation in larger studies.
