The Innovative Prototype Equipment of Skin Color Screening for Neonatal Jaundice: A Case Study at Banmi Hospital, Lopburi

Abstract

Introduction: Jaundice in newborns is a common, but critical health problem.  During the first 3-5 days of life, this is the primary cause of neonatal mortality. A skin bilirubin meter is currently used to assess newborn jaundice. However, its price is very exorbitant, and most of them are only used in private hospitals or major hospitals. As a result, developing an infant color assessment tool for the visual screening of neonatal jaundice is preferable. This allows healthcare providers to prevent and treat newborns who have jaundice in a timely manner.

Research Objectives: To develop an innovative prototype equipment that detects jaundice based on newborns' skin tone. To investigate the efficiency of innovative prototype equipment by comparing the results of skin color screening between innovative prototype devices and an environment room screening in comparison to reference values.

Research Methodology: This study is action research.  Sample consisted of 2 groups: 1) 42 full-term neonates within 48 hours postnatal; and 2) 8 professional nurses. Research instruments included the Innovative Prototype Equipment of Skin Color Screening for Neonatal Jaundice (SCS-NJ box) and a user manual. In addition, skin color screening record form for neonatal jaundice, record form for evaluating consistency in neonatal skin color jaundice screening, and questionnaire to evaluate nurses’satisfaction with using the SCS-NJ box  were used. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics  (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation). .

Results: 1) The SCS-NJ box consisted of the following: Part 1: the case to cover the infant, it looks like a rectangular box, made of black corrugated plastic  sheets, and lined with black cloth. The left side was open to observe neonate skin color and the top had an aperture for fitting the lamp. The box will be placed to cover the baby crib and the cushion was covered with white cloth. Part 2: a lamp with 3-watt white light LED. 2) The SCS-NJ box efficiency revealed that (1) the SCS-NJ box for neonatal jaundice is 100 percent consistent with reference values in the total bilirubin serum range of not more than 5.85 mg/dl. (2) The results of the overall consistency comparison revealed that screening by the SCS-NJ box for neonatal jaundice is 21.43 percent consistent with reference value, but screening in the environment room is 19.05 percent consistent with reference value. and (3) The nurses were highly satisfied with using the SCS-NJ box.

Implications: Future research should continue to control the lighting environment, observable criteria for judging skin color of jaundice and the durability of the box's material to make the SCS-NJ box more effective.  It is an alternative to substitute pricey tools for detecting neonatal skin jaundice.