An evidence-based guideline on emollient therapy for skin care in premature infants

Abstract

Skin is the major protective barrier in a human body. In premature infants, the immature skin barrier reduces the protection against germs. Emollient therapy is an effective prophylactic measure to improve premature infants’ skin condition so as to protect the premature infants against infection. A systematic review of studies shows that emollient therapy is a simple, safe and cost effective intervention for premature infants to improve skin condition. Evidence shows that emollient therapy can also decrease transdermal water loss, conserve heat and energy, stabilize fluid and electrolytes and prevent nosocomial sepsis. The potential of implementing the proposed evidence-based guideline is explored. It will be carried out in a clinical setting. The transferability of the findings, feasibility and cost-benefit ratio of the emollient therapy will be discussed. In order to ensure the evidence-based guideline will be carried out smoothly, a communication plan is necessary to be made in consultation with the stakeholders. A pilot study will also be conducted before the innovation is implemented to ensure frontline staff members to be familiar with the emollient therapy. At the end, the effectiveness of the emollient therapy will be evaluated in terms of skin score. Patients’ outcome and healthcare provider’s outcome will also be evaluated.