Graduation Year
2024
Document Type
Senior Thesis
Degree
Bachelor of Science
Primary Major
Nursing
Thesis Advisor
Deborah Meshel, RN, MSN
Abstract
Aim: The goal of this quantitative study is to investigate if educating nurses about the significance of KMC will increase its utilization and promote weight gain in low birthweight and preterm infants. Additionally, it aims to find the optimal duration of KMC required to maximize health outcomes for the infant. This research proposal aims to provide nursing professionals with valuable insights, allowing them to effectively educate parents on practices that promote maximal weight gain in neonates.
Background: This is a cost-effective and natural way to enhance health outcomes such as temperature regulation, weight gain, respiratory function, pain mitigation, and facilitation of breastfeeding for the neonate. While it is evident KMC yields significant benefits for infants, there is a lack of extensive research regarding the optimal duration of this intervention. Due to the fact that the optimal duration of KMC is not yet established, parents are unable to decipher if they are practicing it for an adequate length of time. In addition, nursing staff may have limited knowledge regarding KMC which creates challenges in effectively educating parents
Methods: The literature critique focused on KMC regarding its importance, duration, and nurse education and how each enriched the health of infants. Further, quantitative research regarding nursing education about KMC and its effects on usage as well as optimal duration of KMC required to boost weight gain in infants will be proposed.
Results: It is assumed that educating nurses about the importance of KMC directly causes an increase in the weight gain observed in neonates due to its increased utilization and longer duration.