The Neonatal Withdrawal Assessment Tool (NWAT): pilot inter-rater reliability and content validity

J Perinatol. 2023 Jul;43(7):930-935. doi: 10.1038/s41372-023-01641-4. Epub 2023 Mar 13.

Abstract

Objective: There is no validated tool to assess iatrogenic opioid withdrawal in preterm infants in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU).

Study design: The Neonatal Withdrawal Assessment Tool (NWAT) was developed to address this gap in clinical practice. In this pilot study, the NWAT was assessed for inter-rater reliability (IRR) and content validity.

Result: Fifty-one NICU providers scored two standardized simulated cases, then 20 paired provider assessments were completed on 5 preterm infants. The overall IRR was 95.6% on the simulated cases, and 98.8% on the 5 pilot infants. A provider survey assessed for content validity; all of the provider participants strongly agreed/agreed that the NWAT adequately measures withdrawal in critically ill infants.

Conclusion: The NWAT demonstrated high IRR and content validity for assessment of iatrogenic opioid withdrawal in preterm infants in this pilot study. Further studies in a larger more diverse patient population are needed before wider adoption into clinical practice.

Publication types

  • Retracted Publication

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics, Opioid*
  • Humans
  • Iatrogenic Disease
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Reproducibility of Results

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid