An integrative review of parent-partnerships within neonatal care facilities in low- and lower-middle-income countries

Tom Coghlan; Tracey  Mills; Carol Bedwell

doi:10.51496/jogm.v4.151

Authors

Tom Coghlan BAO Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK; and International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
Tracey Mills Centre for Childbirth, Women’s and Newborn Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, UK https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2183-7999
Carol Bedwell Centre for Childbirth, Women’s and Newborn Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, UK https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8031-7793

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51496/jogm.v4.151

Keywords:

Health Facilities, Infant, Kangaroo Mother Care, Neonatology, Newborn

Abstract

Background: Neonatal deaths in low-income countries account for a disproportionate percentage of all-mortality rates of children under 5. Parental-participation in neonatal care has been proven to improve outcomes for key developmental factors that influence morbidity and mortality of infants.

Objectives: This review aims to explore the current models of parent-partnership used in neonatal care facilities and identify factors that influence effective utilisation in low-resource nations.

Methods: This Integrative Review was performed by searching the databases of CINAHL, Medline and Global Health. The search was conducted using key-terms relating to Neonatology, Kangaroo Mother Care and Parent-Partnerships. Papers published between 2011 and 2021, from lower- and lower-middle-income countries, were included.

Results: The search identified 336 publications. Following screening and full-text review, 24 studies were identified that satisfied the inclusion criteria. Data were quality-appraised using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool and extracted utilising the framework described by Whittemore and Knafl.

The analysis produced nine key themes – KMC as the predominant model of parent-partnership; the positive impact parent-partnerships have upon infants; the positive impact for parents; positive impact for nursing staff; enabling and limiting factors that influence implementation; pre-existing social and cultural barriers; task-sharing between staff and family; and how education influences perceptions.

Conclusions: Economic, social and cultural factors have been identified that strongly influence and inhibit the widespread use of parent-partnerships in neonatal care facilities. KMC is the predominant model of parent-partnership. A future or adapted form of healthcare in these facilities should include a structured approach of education, empowerment, enhanced male and community involvement that simultaneously accommodates to the psychosocial needs of the family unit.

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