Improving thermo regulation in preterm infants with kangaroo care.

Abstract

Purpose: This critical review was carried out to analyze the intervention of kangaroo mother care and its effect on thermoregulation for the preterm neonate cared at the neonatal intensive care unit. Research question: The research question was composed to identify the evidence based practice for kangaroo mother care and thus inform the clinical area of practice at the neonatal intensive care unit. The PICO framework was used to formulate this specified question: "In preterm infants, how does kangaroo care improve thermoregulation after birth in the NICU setting when compared to conventional care?" Methods: In this dissertation an essential focal point was the principle of evidence-based practice which integrates the finest researched evidence, in favour of the patient's ideals and circumstances into the clinical decision-making process. A thorough literature search was carried out, sought primarily from the University of Malta website. After choosing the main studies of interest in relation to the PICO question, the studies were critically appraised through specific CASP tools according to the methodology of study. This was essential to detect strengths and weaknesses and therefore be able to make informed decisions about the quality of the research. Findings: Throughout this literature review it was observed that kangaroo mother care can be beneficial for preterm neonates as thermoregulation was maintained throughout kangaroo mother care in all the studies reviewed. Moreover, other benefits to the neonate, as well as the mother were pointed out throughout the studies. Recommendations and implications for practice: Kangaroo mother care should be part of the routine practice of thermoregulatory care settings. As kangaroo mother care is not frequently practised at the local area of practice, focus groups should be introduced to raise awareness regarding this intervention throughout the parents and Improving thermoregulation in preterm infants with Kangaroo Mother Care health care professionals. Furthermore, educational sessions should be implemented to promote the practice of kangaroo mother care.