Exploring implementation processes of a parent-targeted educational video for improving newborn pain treatment: A...

Area of Science:

• Neonatal care
• Pain management
• Evidence-based practice

Background:

• Breastfeeding (BF), skin-to-skin care (SSC), and sucrose are effective, yet underutilized, non-pharmacological methods for newborn pain relief.
• Parental involvement and education are crucial for successful implementation of these strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify barriers and facilitators to implementing a parent-targeted video (BSweet2Babies) promoting BF, SSC, and sucrose during newborn blood sampling.
• To explore strategies for integrating these pain management techniques into clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• A sequential exploratory mixed-methods study involving eight maternal-newborn units in Ontario, Canada.
• Data collection included 15 telephone interviews, email communications, and community of practice teleconferences over six months.
• The Theoretical Domains Framework was used for qualitative data analysis.

Main Results:

• Key barriers identified were lack of comfort with parental presence, perceived complexity of strategies, short postpartum stays, and interprofessional challenges.
• Facilitators included alignment with the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, role modeling by Lactation Consultants, and consistent reminders.
• Integrating the video into prenatal education and securing leadership buy-in were highlighted as important for practice change.

Conclusions:

• Successful implementation of non-pharmacological pain management strategies requires addressing identified barriers and leveraging facilitators.
• Parental education and strong leadership support are essential for widespread adoption of these beneficial newborn care practices.