Knowledge of and attitudes to the practice of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) among staff in two neonatal units

Abstract: Aim: The aim of the study was to compare knowledge and attitudes towards Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) among neonatal unit staff at two neonatal units 2008 and 2010. Method: Members of staff from two neonatal units completed a questionnaire with 22 statements and an open-ended question in 2008 and 2010. The data were analysed with Mann-Whitney U test and content analysis. Results: There were significant differences between unit A and unit B in both the 2008 survey and the 2010 survey, showing better knowledge of KMC and a more positive attitude to KMC in unit A. Content analysis of responses to the open-ended question revealed concerns in unit B that its care environment was not suitable for KMC. Conclusions: Hypothetically, the fact that staff in unit A work in facilities designed to facilitate KMC, receive training in KMC and practice continuous KMC in intensive care as well as in intermediate care, has resulted in good knowledge of KMC and a general improvement of staff attitudes to KMC.