A quality improvement initiative to create a positive environment for sensory developmental care in a neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract

<p>Background - The project was a response to the lack of sensory friendly interventions in the author’s clinical facility. After audit review, the staff was found lacking in knowledge and practices. Based on the audit review, literature and expert opinions, components were developed to use in training for quality improvement.</p> <p>Purpose - Creating a culture of sensory developmental care for prematurely born infants through an interprofessional quality improvement initiative in a neonatal intensive care unit.</p> <p>Methods - Awareness opportunities were created for the interprofessional healthcare team on a monthly basis. A range of topics was identified and advocated for through training sessions, in-the-moment training, posters and communication file, focusing on a specific sense each month.</p> <p>Results - Non-compliance was due to lack of knowledge or understanding of the sensory development of prematurely born infants, but the NICU staff were eager to support researched practices. Difficulty was found to encourage temporary staff members. Overall, after baseline assessment was repeated, an improvement was noted, but further training and motivation was still required. A high turnover in management created difficulties in establishing sustained support. This delayed full implementation of the initiative. It was thus difficult to determine probabilities of sustained development of the project, but continued practice of initiatives and follow-up are expected to achieve sustained practice of sensory developmental care of the infants.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <ul> <li>Sensory developmental care of prematurely born infants improved post education and awareness creation. For future endeavors staff will be involved in the management of initiatives in order to boost accountability. </li> <li>Compliance with policies need to be improved.</li> <li>Posters on the specific topics contribute vastly to display important points of policies and care.</li> <li>Inter-professional teamwork is important to enhance quality care.</li> </ul> <p>Implications - The initiative will continue, attempting to distribute the initiative throughout the hospital group’s neonatal facilities in South Africa. It is expected to improve outcomes for neonates and their families.</p>