Introduction
As practitioners dedicated to improving neonatal outcomes, it is crucial to continuously seek evidence-based practices that can enhance care, especially in low-resource settings. The study titled Kangaroo mother care for clinically unstable neonates weighing ≤2000 g: Is it feasible at a hospital in Uganda? offers valuable insights into how Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) can be implemented for clinically unstable neonates. This blog explores the study's findings and suggests ways practitioners can incorporate these insights into their practice.
Understanding Kangaroo Mother Care
Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a method that involves skin-to-skin contact, usually between the mother and the neonate, alongside breastfeeding and supportive care. This approach has been associated with decreased mortality, sepsis, and hypothermia among stable neonates. However, the feasibility of KMC for unstable neonates, particularly in low-resource settings, remains under-explored.
Key Findings from the Study
- The study conducted at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda found that KMC for unstable neonates weighing ≤2000g was both feasible and acceptable to parents and healthcare providers.
- 89% of neonates admitted within 48 hours of birth met the criteria for clinical instability, defined as requiring two or more medical therapies.
- The median duration of KMC per day ranged from 4.5 to 9.7 hours, demonstrating that KMC can be integrated into the care of unstable neonates receiving concurrent medical therapies.
- Barriers to KMC implementation included lack of resources, privacy issues, and inadequate education, while facilitators included staff and peer counseling, family support, and community outreach.
Implementing KMC in Practice
Practitioners can enhance their skills by incorporating the following strategies based on the study's outcomes:
- Adopt Evidence-Based Criteria: Use the study's criteria for clinical instability to identify neonates who could benefit from KMC. This involves monitoring the need for medical therapies within the first 48 hours of birth.
- Enhance Staff Training: Provide training for healthcare providers on the benefits and implementation of KMC, emphasizing the importance of continuous skin-to-skin contact.
- Facilitate Parent Engagement: Encourage parents to participate actively in KMC, offering counseling and support to overcome barriers such as stigma and lack of motivation.
- Address Resource Constraints: Advocate for resources such as beds, monitoring devices, and privacy spaces to facilitate KMC in hospital settings.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides promising evidence for the feasibility of KMC for unstable neonates, further research is essential to establish its impact on survival rates. Randomized controlled trials are needed to explore the long-term benefits and refine stability criteria for KMC.
Practitioners are encouraged to participate in or support research initiatives that aim to fill these evidence gaps, contributing to improved neonatal care globally.
Conclusion
Kangaroo Mother Care presents a viable option for improving neonatal outcomes in low-resource settings. By implementing the study's findings and advocating for further research, practitioners can play a pivotal role in reducing neonatal mortality and enhancing the quality of care.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Kangaroo mother care for clinically unstable neonates weighing ≤2000 g: Is it feasible at a hospital in Uganda?
