Le Lézard
Classified in: Health
Subjects: CHI, SVY, FVT

World Prematurity Day - 17 November 2018 - CHU Sainte-Justine presents series of promising initiatives


MONTRÉAL, Nov. 13, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Each year in Québec, some 7.5% of newborns, representing a total of close to 6000 infants, are born prior to the 37th week of pregnancy. Despite often challenging beginnings, the great majority of babies born prematurely develop normally thanks to advances in medicine. This is the message that Centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine, one of the largest neonatology centres in Canada, seeks to transmit as the facility unveils a Wall of Hope and presents a series of promising initiatives in neonatology to mark World Prematurity Day on 17 November 2018.

"Today, we enjoy a much greater understanding of prematurity. The technologies available to us have evolved substantially, enabling us to take charge and optimally manage these more vulnerable infants. Results are truly encouraging," states Dr Anne-Monique Nuyt, head of the neonatal department at CHU Sainte-Justine.

Prematurity through the prism of inspiring stories by 13 families

The arrival of a baby is one of the most moving events in the life of a family. For parents of premature infants, the experience takes on an entire other dimension replete with considerable stress. But there is hope! Thirteen families of preterm babies tell their stories on a mural to be installed in the neonatal unit at CHU Sainte-Justine. The Wall of Hope recounts the tales of each of the volunteer families, with photos of the infants at birth and today. By celebrating these singularly poignant life experiences, CHU Sainte-Justine hopes to sow seeds of hope and lend parents added strength and courage to better cope when faced with the challenges posed by prematurity. 

The Wall of Hope is the work of the family partnership team (PAF) at CHU Sainte-Justine, a group made up of former neonatology unit patients and parents. Initiated by Camille Girard-Bock, ex-preterm baby and currently a doctoral student, the wall will be enhanced over the years with other amazing preterm family tales.

The Wall of Hope will be unveiled on Thursday, 15 November during a 5 to 7 event scheduled to take place in the Atrium of the new building in the presence of families, neonatology unit personnel and media representatives.

CHU Sainte-Justine: Cradle of studies and practices changing the face of prematurity

Researchers, clinicians and health sector professionals strive daily at CHU Sainte-Justine to expand the boundaries of knowledge and practices in the field of prematurity. The following sheds light on six innovative practices and research initiatives.  

1- Simulations using high fidelity mannequins to hone reflexes
Resuscitation, respiratory distress and intubation of newborns each requires a combination exceptional dexterity, effective communications and coordinated team efforts, with reaction time exceedingly limited in almost all instances. The health care team in neonatology regularly takes part in simulations in a theatre equipped with cameras and a high fidelity mannequin which reacts in the same manner as a human infant. During these simulations, team members develop reflexes and exemplary skills intended to enhance patient safety and provide for favourable outcomes in real life situations. Interview: Dr Ahmed Moussa, neonatologist  

2- Parents paying it forward
Some parents are so grateful to the individuals who oversee the care of their premature infants during their stay in the neonatal unit that they want to pay it forward! At CHU Sainte-Justine, some thirty parent resources assist families facing situations similar to theirs, assess care protocols and involve themselves in committee work. The initiative flows from work by neonatologist Annie Janvier who studies the positive impact of incorporating veteran parents in the field, as well as in research and education. Interview: Dr Annie Janvier, neonatologist  

3- Resilience: Building with confidence for the future 
Prematurity represents a source of uncertainty for the future of a child. According to a recent study, parental confidence in the future of their children is not linked to the risk of neuro-developmental complications but rather to their resilience as parents! The study, conducted with 129 parents ? 80% from CHU Sainte-Justine ? also demonstrates that the majority of parents are optimistic about the future of their children, whether the latter are high risk or not. Interview: Dr Antoine Payot, neonatologist 

4- Canadian neonatal brain platform: Better understand to better intervene  
Extremely preterm babies are susceptible to brain damage. The Canadian neonatal brain platform, the only one of its kind in the world, will group together thousands of standardized, comparable magnetic resonance images. Specialists from across the country will enjoy access to this immense data bank and be able to better understand brain activity in infants, detect damage earlier and choose the best adapted means of intervention. Currently undergoing testing at CHU Sainte-Justine, the platform will be deployed in about six months in other Canadian centres. Interview: Dr Gregory Lodygensky, neonatologist and platform director

5- HAPI Fit
The HAPI Fit initiative, which is ongoing, seeks to determine the benefits of a 14-week supervised program of physical training in heart, lung and muscle health in young adults between 18 and 29 years of age who were born at less than 29 weeks of gestation. This initiative follows in the wake of the HAPI clinical study which examined the overall health of 100 preterm adults born between 1987 and 1994. Interview with key co-researchers: Dr Anne?Monique Nuyt, neonatologist and head of neonatology unit at CHU Sainte-Justine, and Dr Thuy Mai Luu, paediatrician.

6- Optimize implementation of best nursing practices for better care 
Premature infants are particularly susceptible to health complications which can impact their future development. Six neonatal intensive care units and four Québec universities have joined forces to ensure that preterm infants enjoy the best nursing care, wherever they may be hospitalized. The project, which began in 2017 and which is being piloted by CHU Sainte-Justine, will result in the setup of virtual community within which care professionals can share knowledge and recognized best practices. Interview: Audrey Larone Juneau, management adviser in nursing science, critical care components

About CHU Sainte-Justine

Centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine is the largest mother and child centre in Canada and the second most important paediatric centre in North America. Part of the broader excellence in health network (RUIS) of Université de Montréal, the centre employs 5457 individuals, including 1532 nurses and auxiliary nurses, 1000 care professionals, 520 physicians, dentists and pharmacists, 822 medical residents, 204 researchers, 411 volunteers, as well as 4416 trainees and students all disciplines combined. CHU Sainte-Justine boasts 484 beds, including 67 in neonatology. The health promotion initiatives of CHU Sainte-Justine earned the university health centre recognition by the World Health Organization. www.chusj.org

About CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation

The mission of CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation is to engage the community and support the CHU Sainte-Justine in its pursuit of excellence and commitment to providing children and mothers with one of the highest levels of health care in the world, now and in the future. www.fondationsaintejustine.org 

 

SOURCE Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center


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