UP-02 Pharmacological and Non-pharmacological Interventions for the Treatment of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Background: Newborns diagnosed with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) often experience extreme symptoms as their body’s withdrawals from substances. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions are provided that aim to treat NAS. However, nurses should be aware of what treatment leads to better outcomes and shorter hospitalization. Aim: The aim of the project was to compare the length of hospitalization of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for newborns with mild NAS. Methods: The team of researchers devised a research question to guide a search in the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) to identify relevant literature focused on pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention and the length of hospitalization of newborns diagnosed with NAS. The literature was appraised and synthesized to answer the research question. Results: Multiple studies were identified that accredited each intervention type with better outcomes and shorter lengths of hospitalization. Conclusion: The research question was not able to be answered given the existing literature. However, multiple benefits were identified for both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to the treatment of NAS, which suggests a combined approach is best supported at this time. Key terms: Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Scoring System Tool (FNAST