Implementation of neurodevelopmental supportive care
WHY IS THIS RESARCH NEEDED?
Neurodevelopmental supportive care (NDSC) is a fundamental, underlying care approach which contributes to improved short- and long-term outcomes for preterm infants in acute care settings. The effect of neurodevelopmental supportive care is well researched, but it is not always practiced as a comprehensive model of care in all South African neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). This research is aimed at the implementation of neurodevelopmental supportive care (INDeSC) to protect and support preterm infant development in all neonatal units in South Africa. A national level, multi-site implementation, involving a large number of collaborators is planned.
SHORT LEARNING PROGRAMMES EMBEDDED IN THE PROGRAM
- 1-day Introduction to Neurodevelopmental Supportive Care
- 4-day In-house Training on Neurodevelopmental Supportive Care
- In development Post-graduate diploma, master’s degree and PhD in neurodevelopmental-protective care and development
Currently 7 hospitals in both public and private sector is participating across various provinces – North West, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, UKZN and Gauteng.
Implementation varies, however, that provide good insight into the barriers and facilitators related to implementing important clinical initiatives.
MAIN OUTCOMES
- Determining Change in Neurodevelopmental Supportive Care in Participating Units
- Staff Development
- Strengthening Multi-disciplinary Collaborative Work
- Improved Infant Outcomes (Short and Long-term)
- Improved Sustainability of Practice
IMPLEMENTATION
Implementation research is complex in nature and draw on a variety of research strategies. This multi-site implementation will utelise the 6-step Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) progress monitoring tool (Bergh et al. 2012), to guide the intervention - INDeSC.
- Creating awareness
- Adopting the concept
- Taking ownership
- Evidence of practice
- Evidence of routine and integration
- Sustainable practice.
Due to multiple site implementation, project leaders for each site will be trained on the Transformational Leadership Model principles and NDSC content.
