A STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PTP ON KNOWLEDGE REGARDING ORAL STIMULATION ON IMPROVING SUCKING REFLEX AMONG STAFF WORKING IN SELECTED NICU OF SELECTED HOSPITAL OF REWA, M.P.

Abstract

Feeding competence is a critical milestone in the growth and survival of preterm infants. Premature babies, born before 37 weeks of gestation, often lack a coordinated sucking, swallowing, and breathing pattern, leading to delayed initiation of oral feeding. This not only prolongs hospital stay but also increases the emotional and economic burden on families.

Oral stimulation therapy—consisting of gentle tactile input to the lips, cheeks, gums, and tongue—has been recognized as a simple and cost-effective nursing technique that promotes the maturation of the sucking reflex and supports early transition to breastfeeding or bottle feeding. The success of such interventions largely depends on the knowledge and skills of nurses working in the NICU, as they play a crucial role in identifying feeding readiness and implementing oral stimulation protocols.

However, many nurses lack formal training on oral stimulation techniques, leading to inconsistent practices. Thus, a structured and scientifically designed Planned Teaching Programme (PTP) is essential to enhance nurses’ knowledge and promote evidence-based neonatal care.

This study was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of a PTP on knowledge regarding oral stimulation in improving sucking reflex among staff nurses in the NICUs of a selected multispecialty hospital in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh.