Research Symposium

BIO

I am a pre-med student at Florida State University with a strong passion for healthcare and medical research. After initially pursuing a different major, I transitioned to pre-med at the end of their freshman year, driven by a deep interest in medicine. Following this transition, I completed a clinical internship at Ackerman Cancer Center, where I gained hands-on experience in oncology patient care and clinical operations. Building on this experience, I have been actively conducting research this year, focusing on designing a medical garment for mother to perform Kangaroo Care on neonates in the NICU. I am dedicated to expanding my knowledge in the medical field and are eager to continue exploring opportunities in clinical settings and research that contribute to patient well-being. In the future, I aspire to pursue medical school and a career dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes.

Designing a prototype medical garment for mothers performing Kangaroo Care on infants in the NICU

Abstract

In the NICU Kangaroo care, a method of skin-to-skin contact between a caregiver and an infant, is essential for promoting the physical and emotional well-being of preterm or low-birth-weight infants in the NICU. This practice has been shown to regulate the baby’s body temperature, improve oxygen saturation, encourage weight gain and enhance parent-infant bonding. Despite its proven benefits, implementing kangaroo care in the NICU poses challenges due to medical equipment, caregiver comfort, and accessibility (Rao, S. et al.). A specialized medical garment can address these challenges by ensuring safety, functionality, and ease of use, allowing parents to engage in kangaroo care more effectively. (Rao, S. et al.) This project aims to design an innovative garment that supports kangaroo care while accommodating the unique needs of NICU infants and their caregivers.

Keywords: Kangaroo Care, NICU