Degree Name
MS (Master of Science)
Program
Speech-Language Pathology
Date of Award
8-2019
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Kerry Proctor-Williams, Brenda Louw
Committee Members
Michelle Johnson
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics, assessment, and treatment of infants with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) as perceived by Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) and whether it differed from those of other Neonatal Intensive Care Unit populations.
Methods: A secure web-based questionnaire with 62 questions collected information on NAS, caseloads, treatment environment, and demographics. Twenty-six respondents initiated the survey; 42% completed most or all questions. Response analyses included descriptive and nonparametric inferential statistics.
Results: Infants with NAS were on the caseloads of 73% of respondents. The majority (79%) only saw infants with NAS and feeding problems. Primary problems included incomplete or increased time to complete feeds, increased/excessive/irregular sucking rates, and reflux. Working on teams, respondents provided assessment, treatment, and education of infant feeding and state.
Conclusion: Growing demand for SLP intervention with infants with NAS is likely to persist if opioid use continues to increase as projected.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Fabrize, Lauren, "Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Speech-Language Pathologists’ Perceptions of Infants with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome" (2019). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 3638. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/3638
Copyright
Copyright 2019 by Lauren E. Fabrize, All Rights Reserved