Best practices in newborn care in COVID-19 times: An integrative review

Abstract

Objective: to identify scientific evidence on best practices in newborn care, from the delivery room to the home, in COVID-19 times. Method: an integrative review conducted in April 2020 at National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health (PubMed), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Scopus, through combinations between the controlled terms “newborn”, “coronavirus infections”, and “COVID-19”. Results: nineteen studies made up the final sample, from which five analytical categories emerged on best practices in newborn care: Pregnant women and puerperal women suspected of having COVID-19; Pregnant and puerperal women with confirmation for COVID-19; Newborns suspected of having COVID-19; Newborns with confirmation for COVID-19; and Horizontal transmission prevention of COVID-19 to newborns. Conclusion: several recommendations were divergent, due to the contemporary pandemic of COVID-19. Therefore, the role of nurses is essential for adherence to best practices, which are proven and recommended nationally and internationally, taking into account the local reality and the constant updating of the theme. Therefore, further research is needed, especially with a strong level of evidence, for formulation of assistance guidelines for this population group that contribute to reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality and healthy and harmonious child development during and post-pandemic.