Integrating new knowledge into practice: An evaluation study on a continuing education for Swedish child health nurses on non-synostotic plagiocephaly

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess what knowledge on non-synostotic plagiocephaly prevention and reversal intervention and control group nurses imparted to parents and parents integrated in infant care. Design: A group of nurses participated in a continuing education on non-synostotic plagiocephaly in one-to-one or small group sessions at their workplace and received guidelines to follow. An evaluation was conducted with 35 intervention group and 15 control group nurses by asking them two open-ended questions 1 year later; 181 intervention group and 90 control group parents were also asked two open-ended questions and to rate their infant's head shape. Methods: Data were collected during the year 2013. Qualitative content analysis and case-by-case analysis were conducted using a process-oriented approach. Results: Intervention group nurses imparted both regular and newly introduced knowledge on positioning strategies to parents. Intervention group parents who perceived severe cranial asymmetry when infants were 3–4 months old reported implementing regular and new infant positioning recommendations.