A pilot nursing educational intervention promoting an evidence-based transition from gavage to direct breastfeeding in a NICU

AimTo describe the development and the evaluation of a pilot nursing educational intervention aiming to promote an evidence-based transition from gavage to direct breastfeeding in preterm infants.MethodThe Iowa Model for Evidence-Based Practice to Promote Quality of Care was used as the conceptual framework guiding the development and implementation of the pilot nursing educational intervention in a NICU. Six nurses participated in all of the three workshops of the educational intervention. Their nursing practice, beliefs, and knowledge were assessed pre and post-intervention. Their satisfaction with the educational intervention was also assessed post-intervention.ResultsPost-intervention, nurses reported improved practice, beliefs, and knowledge related to the transition of preterm infants to direct breastfeeding. The educational intervention content has been well received by nurses.ConclusionA brief nursing educational intervention can improve NICU nurses' practice, beliefs and knowledge regarding the transition of preterm infants from gavage to direct breastfeeding. However, a review of the format of the educational intervention is recommended to refute more efficiently belief and facilitate nurses' recruitment.