The Kangarobe™
Problem: Recent literature underscores the urgent need for ergonomically designed, safe support products tailored for the unique challenges of the high acuity (Level III and Level IV) NICU environment. These products should aim to facilitate a comfortable experience for both the parent and the critically ill infant, while securely managing multiple medical lines without compromising parental comfort. At present, many NICUs resort to makeshift solutions like taping lines and tubes to parents or chairs, coupled with blanket coverage for warmth. These ad hoc methods raise significant safety concerns, including the risk of accidental falls, medical equipment dislodgement, and unplanned extubation. Moreover, the lack of standardization exacerbates the inconsistency in securing medical devices effectively.
Solution: The Kangarobe™ is a soft, full-coverage garment that functions akin to a robe, designed for parents to safely engage in KC with their infant in the NICU. Crafted from a machine-washable blend of 60% cotton and 40% polyester, the garment offers a versatile one-size-fits-most design. For enhanced positional support, a strategically placed belt can be placed beneath the baby. Engineered for adaptability, the Kangarobe™ features an array of snap fasteners and loops strategically located across the shoulders and chest. Loops are used with disposable foam wraps or bracelets with single-use Velcro®, allowing for the secure placement of several types of respiratory, feeding, and vascular tubing. The garment is designed to support various respiratory devices, including low and high-flow nasal cannulas, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) systems, and ventilator tubing. Opting for disposable Velcro® closures over permanent ones mitigates the risk of unsanitary debris accumulation in the permanent Velcro®, thereby ensuring long-term effectiveness.
Gold Health, LLC | Palo Alto, CA | CTIP & UCSF-Stanford PDC-Funded | 2024
Kangaroo Care (KC) has been proven to enhance physiological stability, growth, and bonding in preterm, low-birthweight infants. Despite its benefits, KC is underutilized in Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) due to challenges in managing medical equipment. This study introduces the Kangarobe™, a novel garment designed to facilitate safe, comfortable, and efficient KC for medically fragile infants in high-acuity NICUs. Methods: From 2021 to 2023, a feasibility study was conducted involving 25 infant-parent dyads in a Level IV NICU. The Kangarobe™ was designed using human-centered design principles and tested on infants dependent on respiratory support. Surveys employing a 5-point Likert scale were administered to parents and nursing staff to assess safety, comfort, ease of use, and procedural access. Results: Survey results showed positive feedback from both parents and nursing staff, particularly in the areas of safety and comfort. For example, 72–80% of parents and nurses responded positively regarding ease and comfort. High level of agreement (76%) on the security of medical line management, with minimal negative feedback. In addition, parents using the Kangarobe™ held their infants for an average of 171 min per session, with a notable increase compared to the typical 75 min, indicating enhanced comfort and feasibility for extended KC sessions. The Kangarobe™ successfully enabled the secure management of medical lines and tubes, with the vertical access window improving procedural efficiency without interrupting KC. Conclusions: The Kangarobe™ demonstrates promise in addressing barriers to KC in high-acuity NICUs. By enhancing safety, comfort, and ease of use, it supports wider adoption of KC practices, potentially improving patient safety, staff efficiency, and family-centered care.
PIs: Neonatologists William Rhine, MD and Aviva Presser Aiden, MD, Ph.D.
Design Team: Ruth Ann Crystal, MD, Jules Sherman, MFA
Patent: US 11,819,142
The Kangarobe is available for licensing from Gold Health, LLC.
