Exploring Shared Implementation Leadership of Point of Care Nursing Leadership Teams on Inpatient Hospital Units: Protocol for a Collective Case Study.

BACKGROUND: Nursing leadership teams at the point of care (POC), consisting of both formal and informal leaders, are regularly called upon to support the implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) in hospital units. However, current conceptualizations of effective leadership for successful implementation typically focus on the behaviors of individual leaders in managerial roles. Little is known about how multiple nursing leaders in formal and informal roles share implementation leadership (IL), representing an important knowledge gap. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore shared IL among formal and informal nursing leaders in inpatient hospital units. The central research question is as follows: How is IL shared among members of POC nursing leadership teams on inpatient hospital units? The subquestions are as follows: (1) What IL behaviors are enacted and shared by formal and informal leaders? (2) What social processes enable shared IL by formal and informal leaders? and (3) What factors influence shared IL in nursing leadership teams? METHODS: We will use a collective case study approach to describe and generate an in-depth understanding of shared IL in nursing. We will select nursing leadership teams on 2 inpatient hospital units that have successfully implemented an EBP as instrumental cases. We will construct data through focus groups and individual interviews with key informants (leaders, unit staff, and senior nurse leaders), review of organizational documents, and researcher-generated field notes. We have developed a conceptual framework of shared IL to guide data analysis, which describes effective IL behaviors, formal and informal nursing leaders' roles at the POC, and social processes generating shared leadership and influencing contextual factors. We will use the Framework Method to systematically generate data matrices from deductive and inductive thematic analysis of each case. We will then generate assertions about shared IL following a cross-case analysis. RESULTS: The study protocol received research ethics approval (2022-8408) on February 24, 2022. Data collection began in June 2022, and we have recruited 2 inpatient hospital units and 25 participants. Data collection was completed in December 2023, and data analysis is ongoing. We anticipate findings to be published in a peer-reviewed journal by late 2024. CONCLUSIONS: The anticipated results will shed light on how multiple and diverse members of the POC nursing leadership team enact and share IL. This study addresses calls to advance knowledge in promoting effective implementation of EBPs to ensure high-quality health care delivery by further developing the concept of shared IL in a nursing context. We will identify strategies to strengthen shared IL in nursing leadership teams at the POC, informing future intervention studies. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/54681.

Connecting the science and practice of implementation - applying the lens of context to inform study design in implementation research.

The saying "horses for courses" refers to the idea that different people and things possess different skills or qualities that are appropriate in different situations. In this paper, we apply the analogy of "horses for courses" to stimulate a debate about how and why we need to get better at selecting appropriate implementation research methods that take account of the context in which implementation occurs. To ensure that implementation research achieves its intended purpose of enhancing the uptake of research-informed evidence in policy and practice, we start from a position that implementation research should be explicitly connected to implementation practice. Building on our collective experience as implementation researchers, implementation practitioners (users of implementation research), implementation facilitators and implementation educators and subsequent deliberations with an international, inter-disciplinary group involved in practising and studying implementation, we present a discussion paper with practical suggestions that aim to inform more practice-relevant implementation research.

Exploring implementation processes of a parent-targeted educational video for improving newborn pain treatment: A sequential exploratory mixed-methods study.

Despite known analgesic effects of breastfeeding (BF), skin-to-skin care (SSC), and sweet solutions (sucrose) for newborns, these interventions remain underutilized. Our team produced a five-minute parent-targeted video (BSweet2Babies) demonstrating BF, SSC, and sucrose during newborn blood sampling. We conducted a sequential exploratory mixed-methods study with eight maternal-newborn units across Ontario, Canada to identify barriers and facilitators to implementing the video and the three pain management strategies.Over a 6-month period, data collection included 15 telephone interviews, two email communications, and three community of practice teleconferences with the participating sites (n = 8). We used the Theoretical Domains Framework as the coding matrix. Participants discussed integrating the video in prenatal education and the importance of involving leadership when planning for practice change. Key barriers included lack of comfort with parental presence, perception of high complexity of the strategies, short postpartum stays, competing priorities, and interprofessional challenges. Key facilitators included alignment with the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, modeling by Lactation Consultants, and frequent reminders.

IImpact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the nursing students education in a public university in Colombia.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on nursing student education in one public university in Medellin, Colombia. METHODS: This descriptive qualitative study used content analysis to address the following questions: (1) How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted nursing education at the University of Antioquia? (2) What were the most important challenges experienced by nursing students? (3) What was most supportive for the students during the pandemic? and (4) What were the potential opportunities and lessons learned related to nursing education? Data were collected virtually through individual online interviews with 14 undergraduate nursing students and analysed using qualitative content analysis with constant comparisons. RESULTS: Four main categories of findings related to the experience of undergraduate nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic were identified: (1) transitioning to online learning, (2) managing the digital world, (3) impacts on clinical training, and (4) work-related stressors. Key challenges included home environments that were not conducive to learning, reduced social interactions with peers and faculty, accessing technology required for online education and insufficient preparation for clinical practice. Family members and university-provided resources were important sources of student support. Whereas the pandemic limited opportunities for hands-on clinical training, the shift to online learning allowed for the development of skills related to informational technologies and telehealth. CONCLUSIONS: Undergraduate students at the University of Antioquia identified significant barriers to learning during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and transition to online learning, as well as new opportunities for the development of digital skills among both students and faculty.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the nursing students' education in a public university in Colombia / Impacto de la pandemia de COVID-19 en la formación de estudiantes de enfermería en una universidad pública de Colombia / Impacto da pandemia de COVID-19 na formação de estudantes de enfermagem de uma universidade pública da Colômbia

Objective. To explore the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on nursing student education in one public university in Medellin, Colombia. Methods. This descriptive qualitative study used content analysis to address the following questions: (1) How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted nursing education at the University of Antioquia? (2) What were the most important challenges experienced by nursing students? (3) What was most supportive for the students during the pandemic? and (4) What were the potential opportunities and lessons learned related to nursing education? Data were collected virtually through individual online interviews with 14 undergraduate nursing students and analysed using qualitative content analysis with constant comparisons. Results. Four main categories of findings related to the experience of undergraduate nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic were identified: (1) transitioning to online learning, (2) managing the digital world, (3) impacts on clinical training, and (4) work-related stressors. Key challenges included home environments that were not conducive to learning, reduced social interactions with peers and faculty, accessing technology required for online education and insufficient preparation for clinical practice. Family members and university-provided resources were important sources of student support. Whereas the pandemic limited opportunities for hands-on clinical training, the shift to online learning allowed for the development of skills related to informational technologies and telehealth. Conclusion. Undergraduate students at the University of Antioquia identified significant barriers to learning during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and transition to online learning, as well as new opportunities for the development of digital skills among both students and faculty.

Objetivo. Explorar los impactos de la pandemia de COVID-19 en la formación de estudiantes de enfermería en una universidad pública de Medellín, Colombia. Métodos. Este estudio cualitativo descriptivo en el que se utilizaron las siguientes preguntas: (1) ¿Cómo ha impactado la pandemia de COVID-19 en la educación de enfermería en la Universidad de Antioquia? (2) ¿Cuáles fueron los retos más importantes experimentados por los estudiantes de enfermería? (3) ¿Qué fue lo que más apoyó a los estudiantes durante la pandemia? y (4) ¿Cuáles fueron las oportunidades potenciales y las lecciones aprendidas relacionadas con la educación en enfermería? Los datos se recopilaron virtualmente mediante entrevistas individuales en línea con 14 estudiantes de enfermería y se analizaron mediante análisis de contenido cualitativo con comparaciones constantes. Resultados. Se identificaron cuatro categorías principales de hallazgos relacionados con la experiencia de los estudiantes universitarios de enfermería durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Estas categorías son (1) transición al aprendizaje en línea, (2) gestión del mundo digital, (3) impactos en la formación clínica y (4) factores de estrés relacionados con el trabajo. Entre los principales retos se encontraban los entornos domésticos poco propicios para el aprendizaje, la reducción de las interacciones sociales con los compañeros y el profesorado, el acceso a la tecnología necesaria para la educación en línea y la preparación insuficiente para la práctica clínica. Los familiares y los recursos proporcionados por la universidad fueron importantes fuentes de apoyo para los estudiantes. Mientras que la pandemia limitó las oportunidades de formación clínica práctica, el cambio a la enseñanza en línea permitió el desarrollo de habilidades relacionadas con las tecnologías de la información y la telesalud. Conclusión. Los estudiantes de pregrado de la Universidad de Antioquia identificaron barreras significativas para el aprendizaje durante las restricciones de la pandemia COVID-19 y la transición al aprendizaje en línea, así como nuevas oportunidades para el desarrollo de habilidades digitales tanto entre los estudiantes como entre los profesores.

Objetivo. Explorar o impacto da pandemia de COVID-19 na formação de estudantes de enfermagem de uma universidade pública de Medellín, Colômbia. Métodos. Neste estudo qualitativo descritivo, as seguintes perguntas foram usadas para orientar a entrevista individual virtual síncrona: (1) Como a pandemia de COVID-19 impactou o ensino de enfermagem na Universidade de Antioquia? (2) Quais foram os desafios mais importantes vivenciados pelos estudantes de enfermagem? (3) O que mais apoiou os alunos durante a pandemia? e (4) Quais foram as principais oportunidades e lições aprendidas relacionadas ao ensino de enfermagem? Participaram 14 estudantes de enfermagem, as informações foram analisadas por meio de análise de conteúdo qualitativa com comparações constantes. Resultado. Foram identificadas quatro categorias principais descobertas relacionadas à experiência dos universitários de enfermagem durante a pandemia de COVID-19: (1) transição para o aprendizado online, (2) gestão do mundo digital, (3) impactos na formação clínica e (4) fatores de estresse relacionados com o trabalho. Entre os principais desafios estavam ambientes domésticos pouco propícios ao aprendizado, interações sociais reduzidas com colegas e professores, acesso à tecnologia necessária para educação online e preparação insuficiente para a prática clínica. Os familiares e os recursos fornecidos pela universidade foram importantes fontes de apoio para os estudantes. Embora a pandemia tenha limitado as oportunidades de treinamento clínico prático, a mudança para o ensino online permitiu o desenvolvimento de habilidades relacionadas à tecnologia da informação e à telessaúde. Conclusão. Os alunos de graduação que participaram da pesquisa identificaram barreiras significativas ao aprendizado durante as restrições da pandemia do COVID-19 e a transição para o aprendizado online, bem como novas oportunidades para o desenvolvimento de habilidades digitais entre alunos e professores.

Rates of and factors associated with exclusive and any breastfeeding at six months in Canada: an analysis of population-based cross-sectional data.

BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding has many health, economic and environmental benefits for both the infant and pregnant individual. Due to these benefits, the World Health Organization and Health Canada recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence of exclusive and any breastfeeding in Canada for at least six months, and factors associated with breastfeeding cessation prior to six months. METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis of breastfeeding-related questions asked on the cross-sectional 2017-2018 Canadian Community Health Survey. Our sample comprised 5,392 females aged 15-55 who had given birth in the five years preceding the survey. Descriptive statistics were carried out to assess the proportion of females exclusively breastfeeding and doing any breastfeeding for at least six months by demographic and behavioural factors. We also assessed, by baby's age, trends in the introduction of solids and liquids, breastfeeding cessation and the reasons females stopped breastfeeding. Multivariate log binominal regression was used to examine the association between breastfeeding at six months and selected maternal characteristics hypothesized a priori to be associated with breastfeeding behaviour. RESULTS: Overall, for at least six months, 35.6% (95% confidence interval (CI): 33.3%-37.8%) of females breastfed exclusively and 62.2% (95% CI: 60.0%-64.4%) did any breastfeeding. The largest decline in exclusive breastfeeding occurred in the first month. Factors most strongly associated with breastfeeding for at least six months were having a bachelor's or higher degree, having a normal body mass index, being married and daily co-sleeping. Insufficient milk supply was given as the most common reason for breastfeeding cessation irrespective of when females stopped breastfeeding. CONCLUSION: Six-month exclusive breastfeeding rates in Canada remain below targets set by the World Health Assembly. Continued efforts, including investment in monitoring of breastfeeding rates, are needed to promote and support exclusive breastfeeding, especially among females vulnerable to early cessation.

Study protocol for the sheMATTERS study (iMproving cArdiovascular healTh in new moThERS): a randomized behavioral trial assessing the effect of a self-efficacy enhancing breastfeeding intervention on postpartum blood pressure and breastfeeding continuation in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) have an elevated lifetime risk of chronic hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and premature cardiovascular disease. Because breastfeeding duration and exclusivity have been associated in observational studies with improved cardiovascular health, optimizing breastfeeding in those with HDP might be an unrealized cardio-prevention approach, in particular because individuals with HDP have more breastfeeding challenges. Breastfeeding supportive interventions targeting one's breastfeeding self-efficacy have been shown to improve breastfeeding rates. METHODS: We designed an open-label, multi-center 1:1 randomized behavioral trial to test whether a previously validated self-efficacy enhancing breastfeeding intervention can improve breastfeeding duration and/or exclusivity, and lower postpartum blood pressure at 12 months. Randomization is computer-generated and stratified by site (four hospitals in Montreal, Quebec and one hospital in Kingston, Ontario; all in Canada). Included are breastfeeding participants with HDP (chronic/gestational hypertension or preeclampsia) who delivered a live singleton infant at > 34 weeks, speak English or French, and have no contraindications to breastfeeding. Informed and written consent is obtained at hospitalization for delivery or a re-admission with hypertension within 1 week of discharge. Participants assigned to the intervention group receive a breastfeeding self-efficacy-based intervention delivered by a trained lactation consultant in hospital, with continued reactive/proactive support by phone or text message for up to 6 months postpartum. Regardless of group assignment, participants are followed for self-reported outcomes, automated office blood pressure, and home blood pressure at several time points with end of follow-up at 12 months. DISCUSSION: This study will assess whether an intensive nurse-led behavioral intervention can improve breastfeeding rates and, in turn, postpartum blood pressure - an early marker for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. If effective, this form of enhanced breastfeeding support, along with closer BP and metabolic surveillance, can be implemented broadly in individuals lactating after HDP. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, # NCT04580927 , registered on Oct 9, 2020.

Breastfeeding Practices and Associated Factors in Shanghai: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The status of breastfeeding practices remains unsatisfactory across China, but regional differences persist. However, disaggregated data for specific provinces are limited. This representative survey determined the status of breastfeeding and factors associated with breastfeeding practices in Shanghai. The questionnaire was designed in compliance with indicators for assessing infant and young child-feeding practices defined by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). A total of 2665 children aged two years and younger (0-730 days) were investigated, among whom 1677 were aged under six months. The early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) rate was 60.3%. Among children aged under six months, 43.4% were exclusively breastfed (EBF). The univariate regression analysis showed that the EBF rate was influenced by multiple factors, including individual, socioeconomic, workplace and employment, and health system. The subsequent multivariate analysis suggested that mothers with a higher rate of EBF shared the following characteristics: intention to breastfeed during pregnancy, breastfeeding knowledge, and higher satisfaction with support through the healthcare system after delivery. The rate of EBF in Shanghai is over 40%, and supporting breastfeeding requires measures at multiple levels, including individual attributes, women's work and employment conditions, breastfeeding knowledge, and health services.

Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative for Neonatal Wards: impact on breastfeeding practices among preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: to assess breastfeeding support practices for preterm infants at two Baby-Friendly hospitals in southeastern Brazil, comparing the effect of implementing the guidelines for Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative for Neonatal wards. METHODS: a quasi-experimental study, pre- and post-intervention with control. Implementation of this initiative in the intervention hospital using Knowledge Translation. Data collection on compliance with the adapted Ten Steps, Three Guiding Principles and the Code before and after the intervention was carried out via interviews with mothers of preterm babies and professionals, unit observation and documentary analysis in the intervention and control hospitals. Intra-intergroup comparison was performed. RESULTS: increases in global compliance with the Three Principles, Ten Steps, the Code, partial compliance with each Principle and in most Steps was greater in the intervention hospital. Conclusion: this initiative improved practices related to breastfeeding in the intervention hospital, demonstrating the potential to improve care and breastfeeding in neonatal wards.

Study protocol for the Sino-Canadian Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative (SCHeLTI): a multicentre, cluster-randomised, parallel-group, superiority trial of a multifaceted community-family-mother-child intervention to prevent childhood overweight and obesity.

INTRODUCTION: Childhood overweight and obesity (OWO) is a primary global health challenge. Childhood OWO prevention is now a public health priority in China. The Sino-Canadian Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative (SCHeLTI), one of four trials being undertaken by the international HeLTI consortium, aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a multifaceted, community-family-mother-child intervention on childhood OWO and non-communicable diseases risk. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a multicentre, cluster-randomised, controlled trial conducted in Shanghai, China. The unit of randomisation is the service area of Maternal Child Health Units (N=36). We will recruit 4500 women/partners/families in maternity and district level hospitals. Participants in the intervention group will receive a multifaceted, integrated package of health promotion interventions beginning in preconception or in the first trimester of pregnancy, continuing into infancy and early childhood. The intervention, which is centred on a modified motivational interviewing approach, will target early-life maternal and child risk factors for adiposity. Through the development of a biological specimen bank, we will study potential mechanisms underlying the effects of the intervention. The primary outcome for the trial is childhood OWO (body mass index for age ≥85th percentile) at 5 years of age, based on WHO sex-specific standards. The study has a power of 0.8 (α=0.05) to detect a 30% risk reduction in the proportion of children with OWO at 5 years of age, from 24.4% in the control group to 17% in the intervention group. Recruitment was launched on 30 August 2018 for the pilot study and 10 January 2019 for the formal study. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study has been approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committee of the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital in Shanghai, China, and the Research Ethics Board of the Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et Services Sociaux de l'Estrie-CHUS in Sherbrooke, Canada. Data sharing policies are consistent with the governance policy of the HeLTI consortium and government legislation. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR1800017773. PROTOCOL VERSION: November 11, 2020 (Version #5).

Caregivers' perceptions, challenges and service needs related to tackling childhood overweight and obesity: a qualitative study in three districts of Shanghai, China.

BACKGROUND: Childhood overweight and obesity (OWO) has become a major public concern worldwide including in Shanghai, one of the most developed areas of China. Understanding perceptions and challenges of tackling childhood OWO among caregivers of children is critical to provide services in need. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study including in-depth interviews with seven parents and six focus group discussions with a total of 32 parents or grandparents of children zero to 6 years of age. Participants lived in three districts of Shanghai and indexed children included both those with OWO or non-OWO children. Data were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis. RESULTS: Caregivers tended to underestimate children's weight status, and to regard chubby children as a sign of good parental care. Some caregivers even suggested that there were positive effects of childhood overweight. Caregivers identified a number of challenges to prevention of OWO in children, including difficulties in controlling dietary intake or increasing children's physical activities; discordant views between parents and grandparents, and barriers to accessing professional guidance. Caregivers desired more detailed advice regarding children's nutrition intake and physical activity, and preferred online approaches. CONCLUSIONS: Misconceptions regarding childhood overweight were found in caregivers of children in Shanghai. Professional guidance on childhood weight control for caregivers is desired via digital applications such as mobile phone applications and social media.

Barriers and facilitators to breastfeeding support practices in a neonatal intensive care unit in Colombia.

OBJECTIVES: To assess breastfeeding support practices and related barriers and facilitators in a large Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal (NICU) in Medellín, Colombia, as part of a broader quality improvement initiative to enhance breastfeeding support. METHODS: A mixed-methods descriptive design was used to collect data on care practices and outcomes related to NICU breastfeeding support. Data sources included the Neo-BFHI's self-assessment questionnaire of breastfeeding policies and practices, clinical observations, and a retrospective review of 51 patient charts. RESULTS: Of the 51 charts reviewed, 98% of the infants received breastmilk during their hospitalization but the majority (84%) also received formula and only 8% of infants were exclusively breastfed at the time of NICU discharge. All NICU staff received education on mother and baby-friendly care, and the unit complied with the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk substitutes. However, resources to support lactation (e.g., access to breastfeeding specialists, breast pumps, written teaching materials for parents) were limited, and infants were only allowed to consume milk expressed within the hospital. Mother-infant separation, as well as staff beliefs and care routines, also limited important breastfeeding support practices such as skin-to-skin care and early initiation of direct breastfeeding. CONCLUSIONS: The self-assessment questionnaire and observations revealed a high value for breastfeeding and a family-centered approach to care in the NICU. Key challenges to sustaining breastfeeding in the NICU included a lack of facilities for supporting parental presence, barriers to expression and provision of mother's milk, and a high rate of bottle-feeding with formula.

Protocol for a randomised trial evaluating a preconception-early childhood telephone-based intervention with tailored e-health resources for women and their partners to optimise growth and development among children in Canada: a Healthy Life Trajectory Initiative (HeLTI Canada).

INTRODUCTION: The 'Developmental Origins of Health and Disease' hypothesis suggests that a healthy trajectory of growth and development in pregnancy and early childhood is necessary for optimal health, development and lifetime well-being. The purpose of this paper is to present the protocol for a randomised controlled trial evaluating a preconception-early childhood telephone-based intervention with tailored e-health resources for women and their partners to optimise growth and development among children in Canada: a Healthy Life Trajectory Initiative (HeLTI Canada). The primary objective of HeLTI Canada is to determine whether a 4-phase 'preconception to early childhood' lifecourse intervention can reduce the rate of child overweight and obesity. Secondary objectives include improved child: (1) growth trajectories; (2) cardiometabolic risk factors; (3) health behaviours, including nutrition, physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep; and (4) development and school readiness at age 5 years. METHOD AND ANALYSIS: A randomised controlled multicentre trial will be conducted in two of Canada's highly populous provinces-Alberta and Ontario-with 786 nulliparous (15%) and 4444 primiparous (85%) women, their partners and, when possible, the first 'sibling child.' The intervention is telephone-based collaborative care delivered by experienced public health nurses trained in healthy conversation skills that includes detailed risk assessments, individualised structured management plans, scheduled follow-up calls, and access to a web-based app with individualised, evidence-based resources. An 'index child' conceived after randomisation will be followed until age 5 years and assessed for the primary and secondary outcomes. Pregnancy, infancy (age 2 years) and parental outcomes across time will also be assessed. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study has received approval from Clinical Trials Ontario (CTO 1776). The findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated to policymakers at local, national and international agencies. Findings will also be shared with study participants and their communities. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN13308752; Pre-results.

Barriers and facilitators to breastfeeding support practices in a neonatal intensive care unit in Colombia

Objective. To assess breastfeeding support practices and related barriers and facilitators in a large Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal (NICU) in Medellín, Colombia, as part of a broader quality improvement initiative to enhance breastfeeding support. Methodology. A mixed-methods descriptive design was used to collect data on care practices and outcomes related to NICU breastfeeding support. Data sources included the Neo-BFHI's self-assessment questionnaire of breastfeeding policies and practices, clinical observations, and a retrospective review of 51 patient charts. Results. Of the 51 charts reviewed, 98% of the infants received breastmilk during their hospitalization but the majority (84%) also received formula and only 8% of infants were exclusively breastfed at the time of NICU discharge. All NICU staff received education on mother and baby-friendly care, and the unit complied with the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk substitutes. However, resources to support lactation (e.g., access to breastfeeding specialists, breast pumps, written teaching materials for parents) were limited, and infants were only allowed to consume milk expressed within the hospital. Mother-infant separation, as well as staff beliefs and care routines, also limited important breastfeeding support practices such as skin-to-skin care and early initiation of direct breastfeeding. Conclusion. The self-assessment questionnaire and observations revealed a high value for breastfeeding and a family-centered approach to care in the NICU. Key challenges to sustaining breastfeeding in the NICU included a lack of facilities for supporting parental presence, barriers to expression and provision of mother's milk, and a high rate of bottle-feeding with formula.

Objetivo. Evaluar las prácticas de apoyo a la lactancia materna y las barreras y los facilitadores relacionados en una gran unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatal (UCIN) de Medellín, Colombia. Métodos. Se utilizó un diseño descriptivo de métodos mixtos para recopilar información sobre las prácticas de atención y los resultados relacionados con el apoyo a la lactancia materna en la UCIN. Las fuentes de datos incluyeron la encuesta de autoevaluación de las políticas y las prácticas de lactancia materna de Neo-BFHI, observaciones clínicas y una revisión retrospectiva de las historias clínicas de pacientes. Resultados. De las 51 historias clínicas revisadas, el 98% de los bebés recibieron leche materna durante su hospitalización, pero la mayoría (84%) también recibió fórmula y solo el 8% de los bebés fueron amamantados exclusivamente al momento del alta de la UCIN. Todo el personal recibió educación sobre cuidado amigable a las madres y sus bebés, y la unidad cumplió con el Código Internacional de Comercialización de Sustitutos de la Leche Materna. Sin embargo, los recursos para apoyar la lactancia (por ejemplo, el acceso a especialistas, extractores de leche, material didáctico escrito para los padres) fueron limitados y los bebés solo podían consumir leche extraída dentro del hospital. La separación madre-hijo, así como las creencias del personal y las rutinas de atención, también limitaron prácticas importantes de apoyo como el cuidado piel con piel y el inicio temprano de la lactancia materna directa. Conclusión. El cuestionario de autoevaluación y las observaciones revelaron un alto valor de la lactancia materna y un enfoque de atención centrado en la familia en la UCIN. Los desafíos clave incluyeron la falta de instalaciones para apoyar la presencia de los padres, las barreras para la extracción y el suministro de leche y una alta tasa de alimentación con biberón con fórmula.

Objetivo. Avaliar as práticas de apoio à amamentação e as barreiras e facilitadores relacionados em uma grande Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal -UTIN- em Medellín, Colômbia. Métodos. Um desenho descritivo de métodos mistos foi usado para coletar informações sobre as práticas de cuidado e resultados relacionados ao apoio à amamentação na UTIN. As fontes de dados incluíram a Pesquisa de Autoavaliação de Políticas e Práticas de Amamentação da Neo-IHAC, observações clínicas e uma revisão retrospectiva dos registros dos pacientes. Resultados. Dos 51 prontuários analisados, 98% dos bebês receberam leite materno durante a internação, mas a maioria (84%) também recebeu fórmula e apenas 8% dos bebês foram amamentados exclusivamente na alta da UTIN. Todos os funcionários da UTIN receberam educação sobre cuidados amigáveis para mães e bebês, e a unidade estava em conformidade com o Código Internacional de Comercialização de Substitutos do Leite Materno. No entanto, os recursos para apoiar a amamentação (por exemplo, acesso a especialistas em amamentação, extratores de leite, materiais de treinamento escritos para os pais) eram limitados e os bebês só podiam consumir leite extraído dentro do hospital. As separações mães-bebês, bem como as crenças da equipe e rotinas de cuidado, também limitaram práticas importantes de apoio à amamentação, como cuidados pele a pele e início precoce da amamentação direta. Conclusão. O questionário de autoavaliação e as observações revelaram alto valor para a amamentação e uma abordagem centrada na família para o cuidado na UTIN. Os principais desafios para manter a amamentação na UTIN incluíram a falta de instalações para apoiar a presença dos pais, barreiras para extrair e fornecer leite materno e uma alta taxa de alimentação com mamadeira com fórmula.

Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative for Neonatal Wards: impact on breastfeeding practices among preterm infants / Iniciativa Hospital Amigo del Niño para Unidades Neonatales: impacto en las prácticas de lactancia materna en prematuros / Iniciativa Hospital Amigo da Criança para Unidades Neonatais: impacto nas práticas do aleitamento em prematuros

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess breastfeeding support practices for preterm infants at two Baby-Friendly hospitals in southeastern Brazil, comparing the effect of implementing the guidelines for Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative for Neonatal wards. Methods: a quasi-experimental study, pre- and post-intervention with control. Implementation of this initiative in the intervention hospital using Knowledge Translation. Data collection on compliance with the adapted Ten Steps, Three Guiding Principles and the Code before and after the intervention was carried out via interviews with mothers of preterm babies and professionals, unit observation and documentary analysis in the intervention and control hospitals. Intra-intergroup comparison was performed. Results: increases in global compliance with the Three Principles, Ten Steps, the Code, partial compliance with each Principle and in most Steps was greater in the intervention hospital. Conclusion: this initiative improved practices related to breastfeeding in the intervention hospital, demonstrating the potential to improve care and breastfeeding in neonatal wards.

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar las prácticas de atención de la lactancia materna en prematuros en dos hospitales Amigo del Niño en el sureste de Brasil, comparando el efecto de la implementación de los lineamientos de la Iniciativa de Hospitales Amigos del Niño para Unidades Neonatales. Métodos: estudio cuasi-experimental, pre y post intervención con grupo control. Implementación de esta iniciativa en el hospital de intervención mediante la traducción del conocimiento. Recolección de adherencia a los Diez Pasos Adaptados, Tres Principios Rectores y Código antes y después de la intervención realizada mediante entrevistas a madres de prematuros y profesionales, observación de las unidades y análisis documentario en los hospitales de intervención y control. Se realizó una comparación intra e intergrupal. Resultados: el aumento en la adherencia global a los Tres Principios, Diez Pasos y el Código asi como la adherencia parcial a cada Principio y en la mayoría de los Pasos fue mayor en el hospital de intervención que en el control. Conclusión: esta iniciativa mejoró las prácticas relacionadas con la lactancia materna en el hospital de intervención, demostrando el potencial para mejorar la atención y la lactancia materna en las Unidades Neonatales.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar as práticas assistenciais do aleitamento materno em prematuros de dois hospitais Amigo da Criança do sudeste brasileiro, comparando o efeito da implementação das diretrizes da Iniciativa Hospital Amigo da Criança para Unidades Neonatais. Métodos: estudo quase-experimental, pré e pós-intervenção com controle. Implementação dessa Iniciativa no hospital intervenção com uso da Knowledge Translation. Coleta da adesão aos Dez Passos adaptados, Três Princípios Norteadores e Código antes e após a intervenção realizadas por entrevistas com mães de prematuros e profissionais, observação das unidades e análise documental nos hospitais intervenção e controle. Realizou-se comparação intra-intergrupos. Resultados: o aumento da adesão global aos Três Princípios e Dez Passos, Código, adesão parcial em cada Princípio e na maioria dos Passos foi maior no hospital intervenção que no controle. Conclusão: essa Iniciativa aprimorou as práticas relacionadas ao aleitamento materno no hospital intervenção, demonstrando potencial em aprimorar a assistência e a amamentação nas Unidades Neonatais.

Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative for Neonatal Wards: impact on breastfeeding practices among preterm infants / Iniciativa Hospital Amigo del Niño para Unidades Neonatales: impacto en las prácticas de lactancia materna en prematuros / Iniciativa Hospital Amigo da Criança para Unidades Neonatais: impacto nas práticas do aleitamento em prematuros

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess breastfeeding support practices for preterm infants at two Baby-Friendly hospitals in southeastern Brazil, comparing the effect of implementing the guidelines for Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative for Neonatal wards. Methods: a quasi-experimental study, pre- and post-intervention with control. Implementation of this initiative in the intervention hospital using Knowledge Translation. Data collection on compliance with the adapted Ten Steps, Three Guiding Principles and the Code before and after the intervention was carried out via interviews with mothers of preterm babies and professionals, unit observation and documentary analysis in the intervention and control hospitals. Intra-intergroup comparison was performed. Results: increases in global compliance with the Three Principles, Ten Steps, the Code, partial compliance with each Principle and in most Steps was greater in the intervention hospital. Conclusion: this initiative improved practices related to breastfeeding in the intervention hospital, demonstrating the potential to improve care and breastfeeding in neonatal wards.

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar las prácticas de atención de la lactancia materna en prematuros en dos hospitales Amigo del Niño en el sureste de Brasil, comparando el efecto de la implementación de los lineamientos de la Iniciativa de Hospitales Amigos del Niño para Unidades Neonatales. Métodos: estudio cuasi-experimental, pre y post intervención con grupo control. Implementación de esta iniciativa en el hospital de intervención mediante la traducción del conocimiento. Recolección de adherencia a los Diez Pasos Adaptados, Tres Principios Rectores y Código antes y después de la intervención realizada mediante entrevistas a madres de prematuros y profesionales, observación de las unidades y análisis documentario en los hospitales de intervención y control. Se realizó una comparación intra e intergrupal. Resultados: el aumento en la adherencia global a los Tres Principios, Diez Pasos y el Código asi como la adherencia parcial a cada Principio y en la mayoría de los Pasos fue mayor en el hospital de intervención que en el control. Conclusión: esta iniciativa mejoró las prácticas relacionadas con la lactancia materna en el hospital de intervención, demostrando el potencial para mejorar la atención y la lactancia materna en las Unidades Neonatales.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar as práticas assistenciais do aleitamento materno em prematuros de dois hospitais Amigo da Criança do sudeste brasileiro, comparando o efeito da implementação das diretrizes da Iniciativa Hospital Amigo da Criança para Unidades Neonatais. Métodos: estudo quase-experimental, pré e pós-intervenção com controle. Implementação dessa Iniciativa no hospital intervenção com uso da Knowledge Translation. Coleta da adesão aos Dez Passos adaptados, Três Princípios Norteadores e Código antes e após a intervenção realizadas por entrevistas com mães de prematuros e profissionais, observação das unidades e análise documental nos hospitais intervenção e controle. Realizou-se comparação intra-intergrupos. Resultados: o aumento da adesão global aos Três Princípios e Dez Passos, Código, adesão parcial em cada Princípio e na maioria dos Passos foi maior no hospital intervenção que no controle. Conclusão: essa Iniciativa aprimorou as práticas relacionadas ao aleitamento materno no hospital intervenção, demonstrando potencial em aprimorar a assistência e a amamentação nas Unidades Neonatais.

Benefits and challenges of a nursing service-learning partnership with a community of internally-displaced persons in Colombia.

Service-learning partnerships between nursing programs and health care settings in vulnerable communities may be challenging to initiate, but can offer multiple benefits for students, faculty, and the community served. The aim of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the benefits and challenges of establishing a service-learning partnership between a university nursing program and an isolated community of internally-displaced persons in Medellin, Colombia. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 nursing professors and nine students who participated in the service-learning partnership. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Main benefits identified were: learning about the social determinants of health, development of compassion, appreciation for the community nursing role, professional growth and development, community engagement and increased access to care for community members. Challenges related to the service-learning experience included feelings of moral distress, lack of value for community nursing, and conflict with traditional biomedical approaches to care. Several threats to program sustainability were also identified. Professors and students offered several recommendations for program improvement, including interdisciplinary collaboration, documentation and dissemination of the service-learning experience, increased community autonomy and capacity for self-care, and curricular changes to enhance recognition of the importance of community nursing.

Impacts of online and group perinatal education: a mixed methods study protocol for the optimization of perinatal health services.

BACKGROUND: Prenatal education is a core component of perinatal care and services provided by health institutions. Whereas group prenatal education is the most common educational model, some health institutions have opted to implement online prenatal education to address accessibility issues as well as the evolving needs of future parents. Various studies have shown that prenatal education can be effective in acquisition of knowledge on labour and delivery, reducing psychological distress and maximising father's involvement. However, these results may depend on educational material, organization, format and content. Furthermore, the effectiveness of online prenatal education compared to group prenatal education remains unclear in the literature. This project aims to evaluate the impacts of group prenatal education and online prenatal education on health determinants and users' health status, as well as on networks of perinatal educational services maintained with community-based partners. METHODS: This multipronged mixed methods study uses a collaborative research approach to integrate and mobilize knowledge throughout the process. It consists of: 1) a prospective cohort study with quantitative data collection and qualitative interviews with future and new parents; and 2) a multiple case study integrating documentary sources and interviews with stakeholders involved in the implementation of perinatal information service networks and collaborations with community partners. Perinatal health indicators and determinants will be compared between prenatal education groups (group prenatal education and online prenatal education) and standard care without these prenatal education services (control group). DISCUSSION: This study will provide knowledge about the impact of online prenatal education as a new technological service delivery model compared to traditional group prenatal education. Indicators related to the complementarity of these interventions and those available in community settings will refine our understanding of regional perinatal services networks. Results will assist decision-making regarding service organization and delivery models of prenatal education services. PROTOCOL VERSION: Version 1 (February 9 2018).

Barriers and facilitators to birth without epidural in a tertiary obstetric referral center: Perspectives of health care professionals and patients.

BACKGROUND: Epidural rates are high in tertiary obstetric referral centers, even though many patients in tertiary settings might not want or need epidural analgesia. Epidural rates are influenced by factors including labor support and routine medical intervention. This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to birth without epidural in a Canadian tertiary center, from the perspectives of doctors, nurses, and patients. METHODS: In this qualitative exploratory study, individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2016 with 5 doctors, 5 nurses, and 4 patients who intended to birth without epidural. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using inductive qualitative thematic analysis. RESULTS: Several contextual factors in the tertiary center facilitated or were barriers to birth without epidural. The following themes emerged: (1) differing perceptions of pain, (2) being ready for things to go wrong, (3) labor support is more labor intensive, and (4) having insufficient resources for birth without epidural. CONCLUSIONS: Reconciling patient birth goals with staff focus on patient safety is challenging in the tertiary context. Discrepancies between health care professional and patient attitudes about childbirth pain may influence decision-making about epidural use. Maintaining labor support skills is challenging for health care professionals who have limited exposure to birth without epidural. There is a need to allocate dedicated resources to better support birth without epidural. Specifically, support could be improved through the implementation of guidelines for assessment and management of labor pain, provision of a variety of pain management options, and labor support training for health care professionals.

Preparación para el cuidado frente al alta de bebés prematuros: Experiencias de los padres / Preparação para cuidados pós-alta de prematuros: Experiências de pais / Preparing for post-discharge care of premature infants: Experiences of parents

Objective. The study sought to describe the experiences of parents of premature children regarding discharge from the neonatal unit. Methodology. This was a qualitative study, in which 10 semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of premature infants upon discharge from the neonatal unit. Data were analyzed following principles of grounded theory; open and axial coding was performed. Results. The following categories emerged from the analysis of the information: feelings experienced upon discharge, and experience of the discharge as a process; the latter category clearly identified barriers and facilitators. The results highlight that the parents experience ambivalent feelings; joy is mixed with the fear of caring for a premature child at home. Conclusion. For parents, discharge of premature children from the neonatal unit is a complex process during which conflicting feelings are experienced. Nursing must develop strategies to involve parents early in the care of their children during the hospital stay. (AU)

Objetivo. Describir las experiencias de los padres de niños prematuros frente al alta de la unidad neonatal. Metodología. Estudio cualitativo. Se realizaron 10 entrevistas semiestructuradas a padres de niños prematuros de la unidad neonatal. La información se analizó con los referentes de la teoría fundamentada. Se realizó codificación abierta y axial. Resultados. En el análisis de la información surgieron las siguientes categorías: sentimientos experimentados al momento del alta y experiencia del alta como un proceso. En esta última categoría se identificaron de forma clara barreras y facilitadores. Se destaca en los resultados que los padres experimentan sentimientos ambivalentes, pues la alegría se mezcla con el temor de cuidar a un hijo prematuro en el hogar. Conclusión. Para los padres, el alta de los niños prematuros de la unidad neonatal es un proceso complejo en el que experimentan sentimientos encontrados. Enfermería debe desarrollar estrategias para involucrar tempranamente a los padres en el cuidado de sus hijos durante la hospitalización. (AU)

Objetivo. Descrever as experiências dos pais de crianças prematuras perante a alta da Unidade Neonatal. Metodologia. Estudo qualitativo. Se realizaram 10 entrevistas semiestruturadas a pais de crianças prematuras na alta da unidade neonatal. A informação foi analisada com os referentes da teoria fundamentada, se realizou codificação aberta e axial. Resultados. Na análise da informação surgiram as seguintes categorias: sentimentos experimentados no momento da alta, e experiência da alta como um processo, nesta última categoria se identificam de forma clara barreiras e uns facilitadores. Destaca-se nos resultados que os pais experimentam sentimentos ambivalentes, a alegria se mistura com o temor de cuidar a um filho prematuro no lar. Conclusão. Para os pais, a alta das crianças prematuros da unidade neonatal é um processo complexo o qual experimentam sentimentos encontrados. Enfermagem deve desenvolver estratégias para envolver precocemente aos pais no cuidado dos seus filhos durante a hospitalização. (AU)