Abstract
The project aimed at improving the knowledge and practices of KMC and breastfeeding for the neonates in Stanfield ward.
Approximately 90-150 neonates are admitted in Mulago Hospital/month. Fears and misconceptions about having a sick neonate are common leading to distress. This project strengthened the leadership capabilities of the first author to navigate/implement change in newborn care clinical practice/teaching and mentorship with support from team members, Maternal and Child Health Nurse Leadership Academy in Africa/Sigma Theta Tau International
A baseline qualitative study was conducted among mothers and nurses. In depth interviews were conducted and data analyzed thematically. We adapted and disseminated instructional/ educational materials on KMC and exclusive breastfeeding, trained two nurses, and 18 undergraduate students. Mothers were also trained in essential care/needs of the sick newborn and how to offer continued peer support. We evaluated the effect of training/support on the newborn outcomes, KMC and exclusive breastfeeding practices of the mothers.
Baseline data from the nurses revealed staff shortages, limited knowledge and poor support as challenges to provide support to women with sick newborns in regard to KMC and exclusive breastfeeding. After the training, nurses/midwives and student nurses all reported great improvement in their care and experience in supporting the mothers. There is an increase in the number of mothers trained in breastfeeding and KMC, an observed reduction in newborn deaths and shortened hospital stay. During this leadership journey, I have learnt to challenge the norm, inspire a shared vision, model the way while enabling others to act.
Improving the skill set of the nurses/midwives and mothers caring for the sick newborn in regard to Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) and exclusive breastfeeding improves the quality of care for the sick newborn. The trained nurses/midwives are training others to cascade the improvement initiative. The approach used will be adopted and replicated other neonatal units in Mulago Hospital.
Sigma Membership
Tau Lambda at-Large, Tau Lambda at-Large
Type
Poster
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
N/A
Research Approach
Qualitative Research
Keywords:
Maternal Child Health, Leadership Development, Kangaroo mother care, Exclusive Breastfeeding, South Africa
Recommended Citation
Namutebi, Mariam; Nankumbi, Joyce; and Nalwadda, Gorrette, "Improving the quality of care for the sick newborn: Focusing on kangaroo mother care and breastfeeding" (2017). Maternal-Child Health Nurse Leadership - Africa. 4.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/mchnla/2015/posters/4
Conference Name
Tau Lambda Conference 2015
Conference Host
Tau Lambda at-Large Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Johannesburg, South Africa
Conference Year
2015
Rights Holder
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Review Type
Faculty/Mentor Approved: Sigma Academy Participant Poster
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Improving the quality of care for the sick newborn: Focusing on kangaroo mother care and breastfeeding
Johannesburg, South Africa
The project aimed at improving the knowledge and practices of KMC and breastfeeding for the neonates in Stanfield ward.
Approximately 90-150 neonates are admitted in Mulago Hospital/month. Fears and misconceptions about having a sick neonate are common leading to distress. This project strengthened the leadership capabilities of the first author to navigate/implement change in newborn care clinical practice/teaching and mentorship with support from team members, Maternal and Child Health Nurse Leadership Academy in Africa/Sigma Theta Tau International
A baseline qualitative study was conducted among mothers and nurses. In depth interviews were conducted and data analyzed thematically. We adapted and disseminated instructional/ educational materials on KMC and exclusive breastfeeding, trained two nurses, and 18 undergraduate students. Mothers were also trained in essential care/needs of the sick newborn and how to offer continued peer support. We evaluated the effect of training/support on the newborn outcomes, KMC and exclusive breastfeeding practices of the mothers.
Baseline data from the nurses revealed staff shortages, limited knowledge and poor support as challenges to provide support to women with sick newborns in regard to KMC and exclusive breastfeeding. After the training, nurses/midwives and student nurses all reported great improvement in their care and experience in supporting the mothers. There is an increase in the number of mothers trained in breastfeeding and KMC, an observed reduction in newborn deaths and shortened hospital stay. During this leadership journey, I have learnt to challenge the norm, inspire a shared vision, model the way while enabling others to act.
Improving the skill set of the nurses/midwives and mothers caring for the sick newborn in regard to Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) and exclusive breastfeeding improves the quality of care for the sick newborn. The trained nurses/midwives are training others to cascade the improvement initiative. The approach used will be adopted and replicated other neonatal units in Mulago Hospital.