Usage of EMBRACE TM in Gujarat, India: Survey of Paediatricians

Abstract

Aim . EMBRACE TM is an innovative, low cost infant warmer for use in neonates. It contains phase change material, which stays at constant temperature for 6 hours. We surveyed paediatricians using EMBRACE TM regarding benefits, risks, and setup in which it was used in Gujarat. Methods . Questionnaire was administered telephonically to 52 out of 53 paediatricians. Results . EMBRACE TM was used for an average of 8.27 (range of 3–18, SD = 3.84) months by paediatricians. All used it for thermoregulation during transfers, for average (SD) duration of 42 (0.64) m per transfer, 62.7% used it at mother’s side for average (SD) 11.06 (7.89) h per day, and 3.9% prescribed it at home. It was used in low birth weight neonates only by 56.9% while 43.1% used it for all neonates. While hyperthermia was not reported, 5.9% felt that EMBRACE TM did not prevent hypothermia. About 54.9% felt that they could not monitor the newborn during EMBRACE TM use. Of paediatricians who practiced kangaroo mother care (KMC), 7.7% have limited/stopped/decreased the practice of KMC and substituted it with EMBRACE TM . Conclusions . EMBRACE TM was acceptable to most but concerns related to monitoring neonates and disinfection remained. Most paediatricians felt that it did not hamper KMC practice.