Implementation of Neurodevelopmental Supportive Care
The INDeSC Research Programme focuses on implementing neurodevelopmental supportive care (NDSC) to protect and support the development of preterm infants in neonatal units across South Africa.
Although the benefits of neurodevelopmental supportive care are well researched, it is not consistently implemented as a comprehensive model of care in all South African neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). INDeSC aims to address this gap through a national, multi-site implementation involving a broad network of collaborators.
Why Is This Research Needed?
Neurodevelopmental supportive care is a fundamental care approach that contributes to improved short- and long-term outcomes for preterm infants in acute care settings. However, translating evidence into consistent clinical practice remains a challenge. INDeSC seeks to strengthen the implementation of evidence-based supportive care, identify barriers and facilitators across participating sites, and promote sustainable improvements in neonatal care.
Training and Development
Learning opportunities in neurodevelopmental supportive care
1-Day Programme
Introduction to Neurodevelopmental Supportive Care.
4-Day Programme
In-house Training on Neurodevelopmental Supportive Care.
Postgraduate Development
Postgraduate diploma, master's degree and PhD opportunities in neurodevelopmental-protective care and development are in development.
National Implementation
Seven hospitals across the public and private sectors are currently participating in the programme, with sites and collaborators spanning several provinces and academic networks, including North West, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and Gauteng.
Implementation varies across participating sites, providing valuable insight into the barriers and facilitators associated with introducing and sustaining important clinical initiatives.
Main Outcomes
Key areas of anticipated improvement
01. Improved Clinical Practice
Determine changes in neurodevelopmental supportive care practices across participating units.
02. Staff Development
Strengthen staff knowledge, skills and capacity to implement neurodevelopmental supportive care.
03. Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Strengthen collaborative work across professional disciplines and participating sites.
04. Improved Infant Outcomes
Contribute to improved short- and long-term outcomes for preterm infants.
05. Sustainable Practice
Improve the long-term integration and sustainability of neurodevelopmental supportive care in routine clinical practice.
Discover INDeSC
Learn more about the programme and its implementation.
Implementation Framework
A six-step approach guided by the KMC progress monitoring tool.
Implementation research is complex and draws on a variety of research strategies. This multi-site implementation will utilise the six-step Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) progress monitoring tool (Bergh et al., 2012) to guide the INDeSC intervention.
Creating Awareness
Adopting the Concept
Taking Ownership
Evidence of Practice
Evidence of Routine and Integration
Sustainable Practice
Given the multi-site nature of the implementation, project leaders at each site will receive training in Transformational Leadership Model principles and neurodevelopmental supportive care content.
Meet the Researcher
Prof Welma Lubbe
INDeSC Research Programme
Telephone: 018-299 1898
Email: welma.lubbe@nwu.ac.za