Perception of nursing team about the realization of kangaroo care in a neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract

Objective: To identify the limiting factors for stimulating the realization of the kangaroo care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in view of the nursing staff. Methods: This is an exploratory and descriptive study of qualitative approach, performed with nursing professionals that work in the care of newborns in the NICU. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, recorded and transcribed by the researcher. The fi rst six interviews that were performed were suffi cient to meet the criterion of saturation. Result: After thematic content analysis, it was possible to identify four categories: 1- The meaning of the kangaroo care: in addition to skin contact; 2. The guidance as facilitator of the Kangaroo care; 3- Limiting factors for not performing the kangaroo care in the NICU; 4 - Suggestions to enhance the kangaroo care in the NICU. Conclusion: It was observed that the professionals have knowledge about the kangaroo care and that they encourage this practice, but there is a contradiction when the staff puts the lack of material as a limiting factor. The study suggests conducting educational activities for both parents and for professionals to encourage the realization of the kangaroo care.