Glenisa Robles, AIN

AINs played a vital role in the NICU GIFT Trial
Tina Tatti and Juliet Alvarado

When people think of medical researchers, they might picture a doctor, nurse or allied health professional. Many clinical trials rely on these healthcare professionals to make research happen, however, there are often other shining stars who play key roles behind the scenes.

At RBWH, Assistants in Nursing (AINs) were a vital part of the GIFT (Giving donor milk instead of formula in moderate-late preterm infants) Trial. The GIFT Trial examines if donated breast milk, instead of infant formula, reduces complications for preterm babies when mothers don’t have enough of their own milk. Donated breast milk is already routinely used for babies who are born very preterm when maternal milk is low, as it reduces their risk of serious gut complications.

AINs Tina Tatti, Juliet Alvarado and Glenisa Robles were trained to prepare the study nutrition for babies in the NICU over the past 18 months. The study was blinded, and the AINs had the very important task of being the only people in the unit who knew what each baby was receiving. Thanks to their dedication, the trial successfully reached a major milestone – enrolling 200 babies to complete the pilot phase.

AIN Juliet Alvarado said the research is vital to ensure clinicians know what is best for the babies in the unit and can continue to improve their practice.

“An individualised approach is important for every baby. It’s really interesting being involved in the trial,” Juliet said.

“We’re hoping to receive additional funding so we can restart the research alongside other hospitals throughout Australia.”

The RBWH NICU would also like to say a big thank you to their GIFT project partners, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute.