Critical analysis of breastfeeding education in the hospital Abigail Sweet URI Undergraduate: College of Nursing Evaluation of Education Lactation Experts ~ Jilian Fagre & Beth Collins Education standards: Baby Friendly USA Guidelines; Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Responsible for educating nursing staff Advise to begin education prenatally and to provide continuous education with every interaction while in the hospital Nursing Staff ~ 10 participants Education Standards: 70% - Baby Friendly USA 30% - Lactation Department 80% report being evaluated in breastfeeding education prior to beginning work How often is education being provided? 60% - every feeding/encounter 40% - about 6 times per day 100% wanted to learn more about breastfeeding education Nurses reported several different barriers that affect breastfeeding education. Mothers ~ 17 participants Most participants were breastfeeding for the first time How often was breastfeeding education provided? 41.2% reported daily 35.3% reported 2-4 times daily 23.5% reported every feeding Regardless if the teaching method involved discussion, handout, or demonstration techniques, 100% reported the teaching effective Most mothers felt confident with the education they had been provided with. Analysis Strengths Majority of nursing staff are: Aware of the Baby Friendly USA breastfeeding education standards Evaluated in providing breastfeeding education prior to beginning work Using a variety of teaching methods Looking for more information about education Majority of breastfeeding mothers: Reported the teaching method used by the nurses effective Felt confident with the breastfeeding education provided prior to discharge Supporting Research mPINC score (0-100) represents the level at which birth facilities in each state provide maternity care supportive of breastfeeding In 2016, Rhode Island scored a 96 which is the highest in the country (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2016) South County Hospital designated the first Baby FriendlyTM hospital in Rhode Island Wagner, Bear, & Davidson (2011) measured patient satisfaction with postpartum teaching methods used by nurses Results: teaching that is tailored to individual needs that is delivered by various methods increases patient satisfaction Weaknesses The nurses are not aware of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine education standards 60% of nurses report teaching with every feeding, yet only 23.5% of mothers report being educated with every feeding 17.6% of mothers did not feel confident breastfeeding upon discharge Addressing barriers to education Fatigue: Provide adequate periods of rest that are uninterrupted by nursing care Visitors: Visiting hours should be determined based on individual patients’ needs. Some mothers may need to be supported in establishing reduced visiting hours. Time Limitations: Develop a schedule and checklist to improve time management Introduction The World Health Organization (W.H.O) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant’s life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2016), mothers may not be getting the support they need in the early postpartum period. Designated as a Baby-Friendly hospital, it is imperative to assess the current teaching standards for breastfeeding education at South County Health with an emphasis on the perspectives from new mothers. In conjunction with evidence based practices in research, this poster will critically analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the breastfeeding education provided. In addition, it is essential to evaluate potential strategies to address and improve areas of weakness in the education. Discussion Potential Solutions Staff competency checklist based on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding Helps to determine staff knowledge and to assist in assessing training needs Ensure that staff demonstrate current competency in providing breastfeeding care on a regular basis 2. Checklist for mothers prior to discharge Johnson, Mulder, &Strube (2007) report that breastfeeding assessment may best be accomplished through the use of a checklist to assess maternal knowledge and infant breastfeeding behaviors that demonstrate whether progress toward effective feeding is being made 3. Documentation According to Weddig, Baker, & Auld (2011), breastfeeding documentation is not in-depth or consistent enough BF/BFI hospital nurses reported that they need additional education in how to effectively chart feedings Buchko, Gutshall, & Jordan (2012) report that enhanced documentation can improve efficiency in the patient education process for nurses 4. Other Improve the breastfeeding content in undergraduate and graduate education and training for health professionals The key to breastfeeding success lies in providing encouragement and continued support. Study Limitations: Small sample size Methods Foundation Baby-FriendlyTM hospitals must adhere to the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding which consist of evidence based practices shown to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration. Analysis of the education provided was based upon these steps. Scientific literature review Current breastfeeding education standards Patient satisfaction with education Current breastfeeding trends among new mothers Interventions to improve teaching Interviews/Questionnaires Lactation Consultant experts Labor/Delivery/Postpartum staff nurses New mothers breastfeeding their newborn attending the support groups in the hospital Literature Cited Buchko, B., Gutshall, C., & Jordan, E. (2012). Improving Quality and Efficiency of Postpartum Hospital Education. Journal of Perinatal Education, 21(4), 238-247. 10.1891/1058-1243.21.4.238 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016). Breastfeeding report card: progressing toward national breastfeeding goals. CDC.gov. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/pdf/2016breastfeedingreportcard.pdf Johnson, T., Mulder, P., & Strube, K. (2007). Mother-infant breastfeeding progress tool: a guide for education and support of the breastfeeding dyad. JOGNN: Journal Of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing, 36(4), 319-327. doi:10.1111/j.1552-6909.2007.00165.x Wagner, D. L., Bear, M., & Davidson, N. S. (2011). Measuring Patient Satisfaction With Postpartum Teaching Methods Used by Nurses Within the Interaction Model of Client Health Behavior. Research & Theory For Nursing Practice, 25(3), 176-190. doi:10.1891/1541- 6577.25.3.176 Weddig, J., Baker, S. S., & Auld, G. (2011). Perspectives of Hospital-Based Nurses on Breastfeeding Initiation Best Practices. JOGNN: Journal Of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing, 40(2), 166-178. doi:10.1111/j.1552-6909.2011.01232.x Acknowledgements Sponsor: Jilian Fagre, The College of Nursing Women and Newborn Care Unit, South County Health New Mom’s Support Group, South County Health