Effects of a Quiet Time Protocol Implementation on Respiratory Rate and SpO2 in Preterm Infants

Background: There are extremely stressful stimuli in the NICU environment. Although attempts have already saved neonates in this unit, this can disturb the adaptability of the infants with environmental stimuli. Methods: In this study, 120 preterm infants were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The quiet time protocol was implemented at 16:00 - 18:00 while the control group received a routine program at 11:00 - 13:00. SpO2 and respiratory rate were measured in 15-min intervals and one hour before and after both times. The sound level and light intensity were also measured. Data analysis was done by independent t-test, Mann Whitney, and ANOVA using SPSS version 11.5. Results: Of all infants, 40% were girls and 60% were boys. Regarding intra-group comparison, the Friedman’s nonparametric test showed that the percentage of oxygen saturation in the quiet-time group was not significantly different at the first, second, and third hours during the intervention (P = 0.32); in the control group, it was not also significant. The respiratory rate at the second hour of the intervention was lower in the quiet time group than in the control group (P < 0.07). Conclusions: The implementation of the quiet time protocol can decrease heart rate and respiratory rate through a decrease in environmental stimuli (noise, light, and infant handling), and thus, is recommended for reducing stress in preterm infants.