Journal of Neonatal Biology

Perception of kangaroo care in German neonatology: A nationwide survey

9^th International Conference on Neonatology and Pediatric Neurology

November 28-30, 2016 Valencia, Spain

Thiel M, Langler A, Rose M and Ostermann T

Sana Hospital Remscheid GmbH, Germany
Community Hospital Herdecke, Germany
University of Witten/Herdecke, Germany

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Neonatal Biol

Abstract:

Background: Kangaroo care (KC) involves the infant being placed on its mother�??s or father�??s bare chest in prone position and is thought to have a positive impact on infants and improves bonding. Data on its practical performance and outcomes are scarce. Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire inquiring about the use and perception of kangaroo care was sent to the heads of all neonatology departments and children�??s hospitals with a neonatal ward in Germany. Results: The response rate was 51%. Among responders, 98% used KC. Performance instructions for the staff was provided in 25%, 41% had hygiene regulations for parents. Special chairs were provided in 89%. 85% used additional music, 20% used light therapy and 5% aroma therapy. Security precautions existed in 31%, 26% monitored O2/CO2 transcutaneously, 18% restrict the number of kangarooing infants in parallel, and 24% demanded a physician on the ward at the time of KC. A minimum gestational age was required in 91%; 86% required a minimum postnatal age and 88% a minimum body weight. In 21%, precautions were taken before using KC. Among these, a normal cranial ultrasound was the most common (45%) requirement. Conclusions: This is the first survey on the use, perception, and exploration of outcome of kangaroo care by medical staff in Germany. Although the survey reflects opinions rather than facts, the results show that the use of KC correlates with the level of neonatal care and experience of the staff. The study provides detailed information on the perception of the conditions and limitations of KC and offers a useful basis for further research.

Biography :

Email: mthiel@freenet.de