Family Centred Care and Kangaroo Care in Neonatal Intensive Care: An International Perspective of Practice in India.

Background: Family Centred Care (FCC) is defined as care which promotes the health and well-being of neonatal infants and their families through a respectful family-professional partnership. In neonatal care this includes Kangaroo Care. FCC is becoming increasingly evident in neonatal units in Northern Ireland, however, a recent report from the European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants (2010) noted concerns surrounding limitations to parental involvement in neonatal care.  The aim of this international study was to explore the practice of Family Centred Care (FCC) among high risk infants in neonatal care, and in particular to explore the practice of Kangaroo Care.

Destination: India was chosen as the location to explore Kangaroo Care as it has been defined as a place where Kangaroo Care has become the prime philosophy of care for preterm and low birth-weight infants.

Recommendations for Practice: Wide and varied experience was gained during my time in India, through visits to community health projects, conversations with local practitioners and parents, and attending an international conference. There are a number of points important for bringing about changes in practice; each of which are interrelated and include consideration of our current ‘working culture’ in the neonatal unit, the importance of understanding basic benefits of Kangaroo Care and encouraging neonatal staff engagement.

Conclusion: On returning from India, there is no doubt in my mind that Kangaroo Care should become an integral component of neonatal care for preterm and low birth-weight infants. The benefits to both parents and babies cannot be overstated. In light of my experience during my time in India, a survey to examine baseline knowledge of, and attitudes towards, Kangaroo Care among staff in three neonatal units in Northern Ireland is underway.