Neonatal nurses’ knowledge and beliefs regarding kangaroo care with preterm infants in an Irish neonatal unit

AimTo investigate Irish neonatal nurses’ knowledge and beliefs of Kangaroo care.BackgroundAlthough kangaroo care existed in other countries for 25 years, it is a new occurrence in Irish neonatal care. A review of the literature suggests that, while it demonstrates benefits for both infants and parents, some neonatal nurses do not exhibit an awareness of current kangaroo care research, or hold positive beliefs towards its use with preterm infants. As they have the most parent-infant contact and influence over whether kangaroo care is carried out, their knowledge and beliefs are of importance.MethodA quantitative, descriptive design with neonatal nurses (n = 62) was used.FindingsFifty six neonatal nurses (90.3%) believed kangaroo care a safe alternative for stable growing preterm infants, agreeing on the benefits for both infants and parents The overall level of neonatal nurses’ knowledge of kangaroo care varied from good to excellent, the lowest score being 35/51. Results indicated nurses’ uncertainty regarding kangaroo care with intubated infants, and infants requiring blood pressure support, umbilical lines and phototherapy. This suggests the need to provide education on kangaroo care to foster the development of more positive beliefs and increase staff knowledge of potential adverse effects.