Abstract / Summary
Abstract Background Endotracheal suctioning is a routine yet high-risk procedure in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Despite its widespread use, key aspects of suctioning practice, remain underpinned by limited and inconsistently applied evidence. Aim To explore how neonatal clinicians reason about suctioning practices, and to examine the evidence underpinning suctioning policies in Australian and New Zealand NICUs. Methods A qualitative focus group with experienced neonatal clinicians was conducted, supported by a cross-jurisdictional analysis of NICU suctioning policies. Data were analysed using thematic analysis informed by hermeneutic phenomenology and cited policy evidence was critically appraised.
Findings: Clinicians described uncertainty, reliance on experiential judgement, and variable policy credibility in the context of limited neonatal-specific evidence. Policy analysis demonstrated dependence on mixed-population, or outdated studies. Conclusion Although data collection occurred in 2015, findings remain relevant given ongoing evidence gaps and contemporary guideline variability. Transparent, evidence-based guidance is needed to support consistent neonatal suctioning practice.