EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY ON BREASTFEEDING IN PREPARATION FOR DISCHARGE FROM THE NEONATAL UNIT: A MIXED STUDY

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate the use of the educational technology “Descomplicando a Amamentação” in the knowledge construction of family members of premature newborns about breastfeeding in preparation for discharge from the neonatal unit. Method: an incorporated mixed methods study with QUAN notation (qual), conducted in five stages: initial interview; pre-test; intervention (mobile application); post-test; final interview. The study was conducted between December 2022 and July 2023, at the Neonatal Unit of a University Hospital in Rio de Janeiro, with the participation of 15 family members. The textual data from stage 1 were processed in the R Interface pour les Analyses Multidimensionnelles de Textes et de Questionnaires, while colorimetric marking was used in stage 5, both interpreted according to Thematic Content Analysis. The characterization data and data from stages 2 and 4 were quantitatively analyzed with simple descriptive statistics. Results: preparation for discharge in the neonatal unit regarding breastfeeding before the intervention was mainly focused on the mothers during each feeding, with guidance from professionals on the baby’s positioning and latch. This approach was ad hoc, without standardization, did not involve all family members, and educational technologies were not used. After using the “Descomplicando a Amamentação” application, there was a 28.9% increase in the total number of correct answers, highlighting its importance in preparing for discharge, with this aspect being reinforced by the interviews. Conclusion: the application positively helped in the knowledge construction of family members of premature newborns. It is suggested that family members be involved in preparing for discharge throughout hospitalization, including the use of educational technologies.