Parents and healthcare professionals' attitudes to Kangaroo Care for preterm infants in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Aim: To explore the attitudes of parents and healthcare professionals (HCPs), and facilitators and barrier to implementation of Kangaroo Care (KC) in the United Kingdom. Methods: Online cross-sectional survey; distributed via the British Association of Perinatal Medicine, Bliss (UK-based charity), social media. Results: Sixty HCPs responded. 37 (62%) were nurses/nurse practitioners. 57 (95%) regularly implement KC. The most important factor that supported KC implementation was the team's belief in benefits of KC. Increased workload, staff shortage and fear about safely of KC in unwell infants were recognised as the challenges preventing implementation. Five hundred eighteen parents responded. 421 (81%) had a preterm baby within 3 years. 338 (80%) were familiar with KC. The main facilitator was the belief that their baby enjoyed it. Excess noise and crowding on the unit were the most frequently reported barriers. Lack of opportunity and limited staff support were the main reasons why they had been unable to practice KC. Conclusion: We found that most HCPs and parents believe that KC is beneficial and would like to practice it. Lack of resources to enable effective implementation is the main barrier. Service development and implementation research is required to ensure that KC is delivered in all UK neonatal units.