evidence into practice breastfeeding and attachment in neonatal units

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Evidence into Practice - breastfeeding and attachment for babies & families in neonatal units: An evaluation

  • IRAS ID

    228673

  • Contact name

    Nicola Gray

  • Contact email

    n.y.gray@dundee.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Dundee

  • Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

    17/WS/0261, West of Scotland REC 5

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 2 months, 30 days

  • Research summary

    It takes on average seventeen years to translate evidence into practice (Morris, Wooding and Grant 2011). The reasons for this are many but the complexities of the healthcare setting is one. There is very good evidence of the benefits of kangaroo skin to skin care (KC) and early breastfeeding for neonates, including improved clinical and psycho-social outcomes (Conde-Agudelo et al, 2016), organisational improvements and are cost effective (Renfrew et al, 2009) and yet KC is not embedded in routine practice.

    This study seeks to facilitate the implementation of evidence into practice (EiP) in relation to skin to skin kangaroo care and early breast feeding in neonatal units in Scotland’s NHS hospitals and to evaluate the process and outcomes of so doing. The EiP approach utilised in this study replicates prior successful work by Renfrew et al (2009) who conducted a similar study in York and Humberside using a 4 stage EiP approach – systematic literature review to produce evidence statements; a survey of staff in NNUs to assess the perceived impact and feasibility of the evidence; national consultations using workshops with experts in neo natal care (frontline staff, policy and academics) to devise a blueprint for getting evidence into practice; and facilitation and support for NNUs to implement the EiP approach.

    The present study, with appropriate ethical approvals from the University of Dundee, has already completed the first three stages of the EiP approach and is now placed to commence the final stage and the evaluation thereof from April 2018- June 2019.
    The evaluation is informed by realist principles, and utilises a case study design involving qualitative research methods including focus groups, interviews, and observations of staff practice and seeks to answer the question of what works, how and in what contexts to implement evidence based practice at scale and sustainably.

  • REC name

    West of Scotland REC 5

  • REC reference

    17/WS/0261

  • Date of REC Opinion

    31 Jan 2018

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion