Surveying Family Access, Kangaroo Mother Care and Breastfeeding Policy Across NICUs in Italy

Abstract

\n BackgroundCurrently, there is a lack of data describing neonatal care in Italy, and the board of the Italian Society of Neonatology (SIN) is determined to promote a more active policy that favours family-centred developmental care. We aim to assess parental access to the NICUs, facilities offered to the family members, and to test “the state of art” regarding kangaroo maternal care (KMC) and breastfeeding policies in level III Italian NICUs. Methods A questionnaire both in paper and in electronic format was sent to all the 106 Italian level 3 NICUs; 86 NICUs (corresponding to the 80% units) filled out and sent the questionnaire back . The collected data were analysed; in addition a comparison between the 2017 survey and two previous survey related to the 2001-2006 data were performed in relation to the few items that had been answered by the two previous surveys.ResultsIn total, 62% of NICUs reported a free 24-hour access for both parents (vs 35% in 2001 and 32% in 2006). Parents were requested to leave temporarily the unit during shift changes, emergencies and medical round in 64% of the units. Some parental amenities, such as an armchair next to the cot (94%), a room for pumping milk and a waiting room were common, but others, such as a bed (16%) and accommodation (35%) were not. KMC was practiced in 94% of units but in most cases (62%) was limited to specific times. In 13% of NICUs, KMC was not offered to the father. The average duration of a KMC session, due to an estimation from the unit staff, was described to be longer in 24-h open NICUs than in limited access NICUs. Breast feading was successful in a small proportion of preterms staying in the NICU.Conclusion The number of 24-H open NICUs doubled over the last two decades. Some basic family facilities such as rooms with bed and shower for the parents remain uncommon. KMC and breastfeeding have become routine; however, the frequency and duration of KMC sessions reported by the NICUs professionals still do not meet the WHO recommendations.Trial RegistrationNot applicable