Presentation Information

Neonatal Skin Assessments: Emerging Strategies & Practice Considerations

• Speaker: Deanne August , RN, Grad Certificate, PhD
• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 60 Mins
• Credits: 1 CERP, 1 Nursing CEU, 1 CME

Abstract:

This presentation will cover the critical role of skin integrity for quality neonatal care, especially those born sick or preterm. Core concepts of skin function, structure and development will be explained. The overlap of skin integrity and other key treatment areas (e.g., fluid management, thermoregulation and pain prevention) will also be addressed. The fundamentals of skin integrity, skin injury, and wounds will be described; with specific implications of skin structure and function covered for different gestational age groups (e.g. extremely preterm and neonates less than 25 weeks of gestation).
Research findings will be presented; highlighting skin injury classifications (and related stages). Injury frequency from several global regions and implications for international settings will be discussed. The core assessment characteristics, tools and methods for skin, skin injury and wounds will be covered. A summary of the known long-term implications of skin injury and scaring will also be presented. Skin injury/wound care practices and resources appropriate to numerous healthcare settings will be addressed. The role of involving family and parents for assessment and treatment plans will be specified. Finally, practical skills for assessing and implementing changes to treatment plans will be proposed.