Effect of Repositioning Frequency Neonates Receiving Phototherapy

Purpose: The present study was conducted to determine the effect of repositioning frequency during phototherapy on bilirubin level and neonates comfort.Design and methods: This was a single-centered, single-blind, 3-arm, pretest-posttest parallel-group randomized controlled trial conducted in a neonatal intensive care unit. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Supine position group (n = 20), hourly position change group (n = 20), and control group (n = 20). The bilirubin level and comfort levels of the neonates were evaluated.

Inclusion Criteria:gestational age between 35-42 weeksbirth weight of 2000 g or moreindication for phototherapyno previous phototherapy,no medical diagnosis other than prenatal hyperbilirubinemiastable health statusno clinical signs of dehydrationtransition to oral feeding, no sucking problemsbeing at least 2 days old on the day of phototherapyExclusion Criteria:a sudden change in stability during phototherapy andphototherapy duration of less than 24 hours