Kangaroo Mother Care in a Tertiary Hospital in Northeast India: A 36-month Quality Improvement Initiative

Abstract

Background: Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is a special method of care for low birth weight and preterm babies by providing early and prolonged skin-to-skin contact with the mother and exclusive breastfeeding. It is a simple and cost-effective ways to take care of low-birth-weight babies. Objectives: To give KMC as a routine practice and to provide extended KMC to all eligible babies. Methodology: We conducted a Quality improvement (QI) study in our out-born neonatal unit from July 2020, and reviewed every six month till June 2023. A QI team comprising of staff nurses and doctors was formed. The root cause analysis for doing KMC was evaluated using a fishbone diagram, and the issues were addressed using prioritization matrix. Multiple Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles were conducted. Results were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 105 babies were enrolled during this period. The mean gestation age was 32 ± 3.28 weeks. The average weight was 1577 ± 417 grams. Our baseline was two hours and 30 minutes per baby per day. We did a total of three PDSA cycles, and as of June 2023, we were able to give an average of 5.3 hours per baby per day. Conclusion: Our QI measures ensured that KMC was provided to all eligible low-birth-weight babies with proper documentation. Sensitizing and capacity-building our nursing staffs on KMC empowered them and helped to achieve and sustain our aim.