Factors influencing implementation of kangaroo holding in a Special Care Nursery

To describe factors identified by nurses that promote kangaroo holding in the Special Care Nursery (SCN) environment.

Descriptive survey. Sixty-seven experienced registered nurses completed a survey to identify factors that support the implementation of kangaroo holding, including assessment strategies of the infant and family, staffing requirements, and necessary environmental considerations at a 70-bed tertiary care, Level III SCN.

Although the primary factor for implementing kangaroo holding was the assessed physiologic stability of the infant (stated by 98.5% of nurses), other factors identified as integral components included adequate staffing patterns, maternal readiness, and encouragement from management. Nurses with 5 or more years of SCN practice were more likely to implement kangaroo care (KC) as an intervention to support attachment for any gestational age neonate.

The nurses in this study identified management support as an essential factor in utilizing KC, including "educational programs," "adequate staffing" (so coworkers could help if necessary), and "encouragement" from management as factors that support the practicing nurse in instituting KC. Nursing managers can use this information to help start KC programs in their settings that include adequate education for staff, appropriate staffing to allow time for parent education, and a supportive approach toward fostering KC among infants and parents.