Abstract

Nudging is a recent effective behavioral strategy
used to improve health outcomes. The principle
component of nudging is choice architecture which
alters the decisions we make while preserving the
individual’s freedom of choice. Nudging strategy
can be applied in NICU in scenarios of limit of
viability and ethical dilemmas whether to continue
life-sustaining treatment or not. This is effective to
promote breastfeeding, improve vaccination status in
children, reduce antibiotic over prescription in viral
illness, to reduce hospital discharge inconsistencies
and to promote hand washing. Nudging may not
be always morally neutral and context dependant.
Doctors need to develop new communication skills
to help parents clarify their values and chose shared
decision making procedure. Transparency about
nudging at the level of guidelines combined with
professional virtues is opted.

Keywords: Nudging, Choice architexture, Strategy