Date of Graduation

Fall 12-13-2024

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Program

MSN project

First Advisor

Scout E. Hebinck, MSN, RN-C

Abstract

Section I: Abstract

Problem Despite efforts to increase breastfeeding rates, the influence of formula companies has contributed to the decrease in rates, affecting the health outcomes of infants. In response, the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) introduced standardized education for nursing staff to support infant growth and development. Context Hospital A Birth Center is a 33-bed culturally diverse unit that provides care to mothers in Northern California, delivering approximately 7,400 babies each year and helping patients transition into motherhood. Aim The quality improvement project aims to enhance the retention of BFHI-aligned education provided during hospitalization by 26.2%, raising retention rates among all postpartum mothers at Hospital A from 63.4% to 80% over an 11-week period between September 19th to December 3rd, 2024. Intervention A microsystem assessment and root cause analysis uncovered areas for improvements to enhance current practices. Additionally, a pre-survey of staff highlighted their desire for a checklist to streamline and standardize educational practices and resources. In response, the team conducted a literature review to develop a Baby-Friendly Patient Education Checklist that improves the consistency of breastfeeding education for all patients. Measure To assess the effectiveness of BFHI steps 5,6,8, and 9, the checklist utilization rate process measure is determined by dividing the number of completed checklists by the total number of discharges. On the other hand, the knowledge retention rate (KRR) outcome measures the percentage of postpartum patients who accurately recall BFHI education points. Results The checklist implementation led to a 29.3% overall increase in patient KRR. Additionally, 94% of patients received education, and 82% retained the education. Conclusion Results indicate that a standardized patient education checklist can improve patients' KRR regarding newborn feeding and breastfeeding practices.

Keywords: Baby-Friendly, patient education, checklist, breastfeeding, infant feeding

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