Perception of kangaroo care in German neonatology—A nationwide survey

IntroductionKangaroo care (KC) involves the infant being placed on its mother’s or father’s bare chest. It is thought to have a positive impact on infants. Data on outcomes are scarce.MethodsA semi-structured questionnaire inquiring about the use and perception of kangaroo care was sent to the heads of all neonatology departments and children’s hospitals with a neonatal ward in Germany.ResultsThe response rate was 51%. Among responders, 98% used KC. Performance instructions for the staff were provided in 25%, 41% had hygiene regulations for parents. Special chairs were provided in 89%. 85% used additional music, 20% used light therapy, and 5% aromatherapy. Security precautions existed in 31%, 26% monitored O2/CO2 transcutaneously, 18% restrict the number of kangarooing infants in parallel, and 24% demanded a physician on the ward at the time of KC. A minimum gestational age was required in 91%; 86% required a minimum postnatal age and 88% a minimum body weight. In 21%, precautions were taken before using KC. Among these, a normal cranial ultrasound was the most common (45%) requirement.ConclusionsThis is the first survey on the use, perception, and exploration of outcome of kangaroo care by medical staff in Germany. Although the survey reflect opinions rather than facts, the results show that the use of KC correlates with the level of neonatal care and experience of the staff. The study provides detailed information on the perception of the conditions and limitations of KC and offers a useful basis for further research.