JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Phototherapy is a standard treatment for neonatal jaundice, but conventional overhead and pad-based systems can restrict infant handling and interfere with breastfeeding, kangaroo care, and parent–infant bonding. Wearable phototherapy has the potential to support zero-separation neonatal care by integrating treatment into routine caregiving activities. However, its clinical usability and acceptability in routine neonatal settings require evaluation

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the usability, caregiver acceptance, and workflow integration of the Bilihome Jauni wearable phototherapy romper in a routine neonatal care setting, with particular emphasis on zero-separation care activities such as feeding, parental holding, and kangaroo mother care.

Methods:

We conducted a single-site observational usability study in a neonatal care environment at Hindustan Hospital, Coimbatore. Seventeen neonates receiving phototherapy were enrolled. Usability data were collected from representative user groups, including neonatal nurses and parents, with additional contextual assessment by a consulting neonatologist. Nurses completed an 11-item Likert-scale usability questionnaire and parents completed an 8-item Likert-scale questionnaire. Structured observational logs were used to document device application and removal, workflow integration, diapering-related handling, feeding access, device stability, and parent–infant interaction during use. Data were analyzed descriptively to assess perceived ease of use, comfort, satisfaction, and use-related challenges.

Results:

Nurses reported high overall usability and acceptance. All nurses rated the device as easy to use and intuitive, and all reported confidence using it during zero-separation care and feeding. Most nurses (94%) said they would recommend the device to parents, and 88% reported high overall satisfaction. Parents also reported high acceptance: all parents found the device easy to put on and remove, visually acceptable, compatible with feeding and caregiving, and comfortable for the infant; 94% reported satisfaction during feeding. The consulting neonatologist gave a mean recommendation score of 8.75/10. The main usability challenge identified was diapering and waste management during active phototherapy, with moderate handling difficulty reported by many nurses. No major comfort or safety concerns were observed during routine use.

Conclusions:

The Bilihome Jauni wearable phototherapy romper demonstrated strong usability, high caregiver acceptance, and good integration into routine neonatal workflows supporting zero-separation care. The device appears promising as a human-centered approach to neonatal phototherapy that may reduce caregiving disruption while preserving infant comfort and caregiver engagement. Further multisite studies with larger samples are needed to confirm generalizability and to evaluate longer-term use and clinical outcomes. Clinical Trial: Clinical Trial Registry of India