Development and evaluation of a clinical nursing decision support system for the prevention of neonatal hypoglycaemia

Background: Hypoglycaemia is one of the most common complications during the neonatal period. Recurrent hypoglycaemia episodes can result in neurodevelopmental deficits and even sudden death. Available evidence indicates that healthcare professionals ought to promptly assess the risk of hypoglycaemia in newborns immediately following birth and formulate the most suitable preventive strategies. Consequently, this study was designed to develop a clinical nursing decision support system for neonatal hypoglycaemia prevention based on the prediction model for neonatal hypoglycaemia risk that was developed in a previous study, and to evaluate its efficacy.

Methods: Nursing process as the theoretical framework, based on evidence-based nursing, standardized nursing language, and clinical decision support technology, the neonatal hypoglycaemia prevention nursing decision support system was developed.This system was implemented in the neonatology department of a tertiary grade A general hospital from September 1st to 30th, 2023.The application efficacy of the system was assessed and compared through the examination of the incidence of neonatal hypoglycemia, adverse outcomes associated with neonatal hypoglycemia, and the experiences of nurses following the implementation of the system.

Results: The incidence of neonatal hypoglycaemia decreased after the system was implemented, and the difference was statistically significant (X² = 4.522, P = 0.033). None of the neonates experienced adverse outcomes during hospitalization. The rate of hypoglycaemia risk assessment in neonates after system implementation was 92.16%. The total Clinical Nursing Information System Effectiveness Evaluation Scale score was 104.36 ± 1.96.

Conclusion: The neonatal hypoglycaemia prevention nursing decision support system realizes neonatal hypoglycaemia risk assessment, intelligent decision-making, and effect evaluation, effectively diminishes the incidence of neonatal hypoglycaemia, and enhances the standardization of neonatal hypoglycaemia management.