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Mimo: A Non-Pharmacological Comforting Solution for Preterm Neonates

Authors:
Frank Versteegh
Daniel Tetteroo
Thelxi Mamagkaki
Mariana Serras Pereira
Wei Chen
Sidarto Bambang Oetomo

Keywords: preterm neonates; comforting solution; bonding; heartbeat; pillow; user-centered design

Abstract:
Preterm neonates often suffer from pain, distress and discomfort during the first weeks of their lives. While residing in special Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) that are designed for optimal care, they are subject to numerous interventions ranging from a simple diaper change to surgery. Although pharmacological pain treatment often is available, it cannot always be applied to relieve a neonate from pain or discomfort. Therefore, new non-pharmacological solutions are required to reduce the discomfort experienced by these babies during the first weeks of their lives. This paper describes a novel solution, called Mimo, that provides comfort through mediation of a parent's physiological features to the distressed neonate. We discuss the design and the implementation and pilot-evaluation of a first prototype. Results show that the concept is promising enough to pursue a full-scale clinical trial.

Pages: 1 to 6

Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2012

Publication date: October 21, 2012

Published in: conference

ISSN: 2308-4553

ISBN: 978-1-61208-243-1

Location: Venice, Italy

Dates: from October 21, 2012 to October 26, 2012