Effect of Cue‐Based Feeding on the Feeding Outcomes of Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

ABSTRACT Objective To systematically evaluate the effect of cue‐based feeding (CBF) on feeding outcomes in preterm infants. Methods Databases including CNKI, Wanfang, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and Cochrane Library were searched from the database's inception to November 2023. The literature screening and quality assessment were conducted by two researchers independently, and a meta‐analysis was performed using Review Manager (RevMan) 5.4 software. Results A total of six randomised controlled trials and eight quasi‐experimental studies involving 2239 preterm infants were included. The results indicated that CBF was effective in shortening the time to achieve full oral feeding ( Z = 22.32, p < 0.01) and reducing the incidence of feeding intolerance ( Z = 2.18, p < 0.05). Compared with scheduled feeding (SF), CBF was found to enhance parental participation and satisfaction. Health professionals such as paediatricians, nurses and feeding specialists, highly agreed on the positive effects of CBF. Conclusion Cue‐based feeding has the potential to shorten the time to achieve full oral feeding, reduce the incidence of feeding intolerance and promote parental involvement in feeding behaviour for preterm infants. Implications for Practice Cue‐based feeding is recommended for preterm infants, as it could enhance oral feeding competence, facilitate feeding progression and reduce the incidence of feeding complications. No Patient or Public Contribution Our paper is a systematic review and meta‐analysis, and such details do not apply to our work. Trial Registration: The detailed study protocol can be found on the PROSPERO website