YSP Health Resources

To: Dr. Hubnik, YSP Health Resources CEO

From: Philippa Machalicek, NICU RN
Yessica Garcia, NICU RN
Shiann Ashbrook; NICU RN
Subject: The Zaky; Infant comfort
Date: November 2, 2015

Purpose
We received authorization to complete our research on the Zaky on
November 9, 2015. The purpose of this progress report is to go over
the work we have completed on the use of the Zaky at YSP as well
as the work we still need to complete. We are also going to add
further research to our schedule.

Introduction
The Zaky is a new device that originated from Australian
hospitals and NICU. Some of these hospitals are the Royal North
Shore Hospital, the Royal Hobart Hospital, the Mercy Hospital for
women, the Mater Mothers Hospital, and the Central Coast Local
Health Hospital (Carr, Zaky information). The Zaky is an arm and
hand shaped pillow that is used to help improve the overall comfort
and health of premature babies who are too delicate to be held
(Carr, Zaky information). The issue we are currently experiencing is
that we are still using the outdated method of swaddling the babies,
which can be very harmful to them. This issue is occurring because
the babies are being wrapped too tightly or improperly, and they
become agitated and sometimes are even harmed. At the moment,
there is little that can be done to comfort the babies aside from
swaddling them and giving them occasional, minimal contact
without harming them. Due to the excessive number of machines
and tubes the babies have to be on it can even be impossible to
swaddle them giving them little to no support or comfort. This

problem will affect YSP Health resources because women are

leaving the hospital with babies who are disconnected and some
even leave the hospitals with life-long complications because of
their injuries caused from swaddling. We believe that this product
will help ensure a decrease in infant injuries and possible reduce
the rates of infant deaths. The Zaky will also allow the hospital to
keep its trustworthiness and enhance its reputation. It is also a dual
purpose device that has been used in other hospitals with patients
who have undergone surgeries (Carr, what experts say). It is used to
relieve pain and provide a sense of comfort through the healing
process. The injuries that occur during or after the babies leave the
hospital due to improper swaddling can also affect the nurses of the
NICU. These injuries effect the nurses because the mothers can
unintentionally harm their babies while trying to care for and
connect with them. The mothers could also accidentally pull a tube
or IV out from the baby while trying to wrap them up. These
accidents make the already difficult job of keeping the premature
babies unharmed and alive even more difficult and stressful for the
nurses of the NICU.

Completed Work
1. Determine basic knowledge on the use of the Zaky in the NICU.
The Zaky is used to insure proper positioning, help with pain
management and sleep, and also provide a sense of
protection. It has also been shown to assist with the physical
and psychological development of babies (Carr, Zaky
information).
2. Determine why hospitals use the Zaky. Hospitals are using the
Zaky to stimulate the presence of the parents, to provide
proper positioning, to support the musculoskeletal
development, as well as to provide comfort, containment,
boundaries, and security (Design).
3. Preliminary research; studied the positive effects and use of
the Zaky as well as the negative effects of swaddling. We
found that the Zaky is used with infants for many different
things including comfort, support, heat, and pain
management. We also found that it can be used in older
children and adults. They have been used for children in child
care centers and nursing homes to comfort them and help
them sleep better (Carr, Older Children). The reason we are

wanting to use the Zaky is to replace swaddling which can

cause DDH or developmental dysplasia of the hip (Post).
4. Secondary research; research done on databases and blogs as
well as the Zaky official website and the Technical
Communications book. One of the important things we found is
that, by using the Zaky, YSP will become more efficient. This is
because the inventory and storage space needed prior to the
use of the Zaky will be downsized (Design). It can be
purchased individually for $120.00, as a set for $180.00 or in
bulk at discounted prices. (Carr, International sales). There is
also a donation program in Australia where an individual can
buy a Zaky for $59.95 and that Zaky will be donated to a
hospital so the patients will not have to pay for them (Carr,
Hospital donation).
5. Submit research proposal for evaluation. Received
authorization to proceed on November 9, 2015.

Future Work
6. Perform a follow-up on the primary research of the Zaky
surveys sent out to Harris South West, Cooks Childrens, and
Hugely Health. We have not received any feedback yet.
7. Prepare to submit the progress report after receiving
authorization to continue our research on November 9, 2015.
8. Submit the final progress report.
9. Complete additional secondary research to add more support
to our research paper and to find counter arguments and
negative effects of the Zaky.
10.
Create an outline for the research report after completing
the rest of our secondary research.
11.
Compose the research report and make all final changes
based on the information we have found.
12.
Submit the final proposal to YSP Health Resources for
final evaluation and the decision on the adoption of the Zaky.

Updated Schedule

Dates and tasks that are highlighted in yellow have been

completed.

TASK

START
DATE

END
DATE

26 Oct. 2015

28 Oct. 2015

28 Oct. 2015

28 Oct. 2015

2 Nov. 2015

9 Nov. 2015

9 Nov. 2015

11 Nov. 2015

9 Nov. 11

10

14 Nov. 2015

11

16 Nov. 2015

12

23 Nov. 2015

30 Oct.
2015
30 OCT.
2015
30 Oct.
2015
8 Nov.
2015
2 Nov.
2015
13 Nov.
2015
11 Nov.
2015
11 Nov.
2015
14 Nov.
2015
14
Nov.2015
22 Nov.
2015
23 Nov.
2015

Conclusion
As of November 11, 2015 we have completed all of the research
necessary to complete our research paper. Now the only thing we
have left to complete is the outline of the paper and the paper
itself. This will be completed and turned in on November 23, 2015.

Works Cited
Carr, -Trish. Benefits and Features. 2007-2015. <http://www.thezaky.net.au/>.
Carr, -Trish. Hospital Information. 2007-2015. <http://www.thezaky.net.au/>.

Carr, -Trish. International Sales. 2007-2015. <http://www.thezaky.net.au/>.

Carr, -Trish. Older Children and Adults. 2007-2015. <http://www.thezaky.net.au/>.
Carr, -Trish. What Experts Say in America. 2007-2015.
<http://www.thezaky.net.au/>.
Design, Nurtered by. What are the Zakys, Use, NICU Process Standard, Comparison.
2001-2015. 11 November 2015.
Markel, Mike. Technical Communications. Boston, New york: Bedford/St. Martins,
2015.
Post, The Bangkok. The Pros and Cons of Swaddling Your Child. 29 October 2013. 28
October 2015.