Effectiveness of aluminum foil-assisted phototherapy on bilirubin levels and body temperature among neonates in the selected Tertiary care hospital Mangalore

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of aluminum foil-assisted phototherapy in reducing serum bilirubin levels and hyperthermia in neonates with jaundice admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at a selected tertiary hospital affiliated with a university in Mangalore, India. A quasi-experimental study design will be employed. Neonates requiring phototherapy will be assigned to the control and experimental groups. Purposive sampling will select neonates meeting the inclusion criteria (e.g., diagnosed with neonatal jaundice requiring phototherapy). Exclusion criteria will include contraindications to phototherapy (e.g., severe hemolytic disease, suspected sepsis). In the intervention group, phototherapy will be administered with strategically placed aluminum foil-covered, bow-shaped acrylic sheets molded and positioned above the infant’s cradle to enhance heat retention and potentially improve therapeutic efficacy. The control group will receive standard phototherapy. This study has the potential to provide valuable evidence on the effectiveness and safety of aluminum foil-assisted phototherapy in managing neonatal jaundice. Findings from this study may inform clinical practice guidelines and improve the care of neonates with jaundice.