Date of Graduation

Summer 8-14-2017

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Abstract

Abstract

Breastfeeding can provide many health benefits for both mother and baby. To increase the health benefits for patients, a change project will be implemented to increase the rates of exclusive breastfeeding for postpartum patients. The project will be focusing on teaching and be providing information on health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding. Our project is aiming to increase the rates of exclusive breastfeeding by providing lactation consultants during night shift.

Surveys and interviews were conducted pre-program and found most patients are unaware of the health benefits of breastfeeding and the lactation consultant services provided by the hospital. The method used to assist in implementation of this project was Lewin’s Change Theory. This theory focuses on three stages to best help change projects. The first stage is unfreezing; the phase focuses on the recognition of a problem within the facility. The second stage is moving; this process involves in-depth discussion to cultivate this new project. The last phase is refreezing, in this stage, the new process has begun implementation. This stage is vital in the sustainability of this project.

A Root Cause Analysis was explored to substantiate the need for this project. This analysis showed that our patients’ lack of knowledge and information provided along with the negative social norms were causative factors in our patients’ hesitancy for exclusive breastfeeding. A cost analysis was conducted and found that hospitalization for an infant who is breastfed exclusively will cost $0 for breast milk, while infants on formula will cost approximately $0.19 per ounce.

There was not an opportunity to evaluate this project due to many contributory factors in implementation. There have been many discrepancies in different departments and between day and night shifts, which caused a delay in the execution of this project. Further clarification on discrepancies between shifts and departments is needed to gain success with this project.

Once this project is fully functional it is anticipated that there will be a 20% increase in exclusive breastfeeding rates, and a positive patient outcome is expected. Patient satisfaction scores will be gathered at the six-month mark to measure the success of this project. The summation of this project will be to increase exclusive breastfeeding rates for patients in postpartum, which is beneficial for the health of both mother and baby.

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