Comparing Nonpharmacological and Pharmacological Approaches to Managing Neonatal Withdrawal
Advisor(s)
Megan Lieb (m-lieb.2@onu.edu)
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Poster
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Start Date
24-4-2026 11:00 AM
End Date
24-4-2026 11:50 AM
Abstract
Problem: Exposure to substances during pregnancy remains a significant public health concern in the United States and contributes to the increased incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Infants exposed in utero often experience withdrawal symptoms requiring close monitoring during the newborn hospitalization period. Traditional management has relied on pharmacological treatments such as opioid replacement therapy; however, these approaches may prolong hospitalization, increase healthcare costs, and expose infants to additional medications. Growing evidence supports nonpharmacological interventions as first-line or complementary strategies to improve outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Purpose: The purpose of this project is to determine whether nonpharmacological interventions, compared to standard pharmacological treatment after birth, improve symptom management and reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms in substance-exposed infants during the newborn hospitalization period.
Methods: This study will use a quasi-experimental comparative design in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). A convenience sample of approximately 60–100 substance-exposed infants with withdrawal symptoms will be included. Infants will be assigned to either a nonpharmacological intervention group or a standard pharmacological treatment group. Interventions will include swaddling, skin-to-skin contact, rooming-in, breastfeeding support, reduced environmental stimulation, and frequent feedings. Outcomes will include withdrawal severity scores, need for medication initiation, duration of pharmacological therapy, length of hospital stay, and time to symptom stabilization.
Conclusion: Findings from this study are expected to support evidence-based nursing practice by clarifying the effectiveness of nonpharmacological strategies in managing neonatal withdrawal. Results may contribute to improved patient outcomes, reduced medication exposure, shorter hospital stays, and more cost-effective care for healthcare systems.
Recommended Citation
Biggs, Madison N., "Comparing Nonpharmacological and Pharmacological Approaches to Managing Neonatal Withdrawal" (2026). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 26.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2026/Posters/26
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Comparing Nonpharmacological and Pharmacological Approaches to Managing Neonatal Withdrawal
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Problem: Exposure to substances during pregnancy remains a significant public health concern in the United States and contributes to the increased incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Infants exposed in utero often experience withdrawal symptoms requiring close monitoring during the newborn hospitalization period. Traditional management has relied on pharmacological treatments such as opioid replacement therapy; however, these approaches may prolong hospitalization, increase healthcare costs, and expose infants to additional medications. Growing evidence supports nonpharmacological interventions as first-line or complementary strategies to improve outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Purpose: The purpose of this project is to determine whether nonpharmacological interventions, compared to standard pharmacological treatment after birth, improve symptom management and reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms in substance-exposed infants during the newborn hospitalization period.
Methods: This study will use a quasi-experimental comparative design in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). A convenience sample of approximately 60–100 substance-exposed infants with withdrawal symptoms will be included. Infants will be assigned to either a nonpharmacological intervention group or a standard pharmacological treatment group. Interventions will include swaddling, skin-to-skin contact, rooming-in, breastfeeding support, reduced environmental stimulation, and frequent feedings. Outcomes will include withdrawal severity scores, need for medication initiation, duration of pharmacological therapy, length of hospital stay, and time to symptom stabilization.
Conclusion: Findings from this study are expected to support evidence-based nursing practice by clarifying the effectiveness of nonpharmacological strategies in managing neonatal withdrawal. Results may contribute to improved patient outcomes, reduced medication exposure, shorter hospital stays, and more cost-effective care for healthcare systems.