Seema Sharma1, Chanderdeep Sharma2, Dinesh Kumar3. 1. Department of Pediatrics, Dr Rajendra Prasad Govt. Medical College, Himachal Pradesh, India. Correspondence to: Dr Seema Sharma, House no 23, Block-B,Type-V, DR RPGMCH, Kangra at Tanda, Himachal Pradesh, India. dr.seema73.ss@gmail.com. 2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr Rajendra Prasad Govt. Medical College, Himachal Pradesh, India. 3. Department of Community Medicine, Dr Rajendra Prasad Govt. Medical College, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the applications of the principles of Quality Improvement (QI) in a tertiary-care centre with the aim to improve the breastfeeding practices during hospital stay. METHODS: An operational team was formulated to identify the reasons for low proportion of exclusive breast feeding (EBF) in healthy neonates. Reason specific solutions were proposed, discussed, prioritized and tested using Plan-Do-Study-Act Cycle (PDSA Cycle). Strategies included clear departmental policy plan and creation of Breastfeeding support package (BFSP). PDSA cycles were tested and implemented over 6 weeks period and its sustainability was measured monthly for five months duration. RESULTS: After implementation of PDSA cycles, the proportion of neonates receiving early breastfeeding within one hour of birth increased from 55% to 95%, and the proportion of neonates on EBF during hospital stay increased from 72% to 98%. CONCLUSION: Quality Improvement principles are feasible and effective to improve breastfeeding practices in the hospital setting.
OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the applications of the principles of Quality Improvement (QI) in a tertiary-care centre with the aim to improve the breastfeeding practices during hospital stay. METHODS: An operational team was formulated to identify the reasons for low proportion of exclusive breast feeding (EBF) in healthy neonates. Reason specific solutions were proposed, discussed, prioritized and tested using Plan-Do-Study-Act Cycle (PDSA Cycle). Strategies included clear departmental policy plan and creation of Breastfeeding support package (BFSP). PDSA cycles were tested and implemented over 6 weeks period and its sustainability was measured monthly for five months duration. RESULTS: After implementation of PDSA cycles, the proportion of neonates receiving early breastfeeding within one hour of birth increased from 55% to 95%, and the proportion of neonates on EBF during hospital stay increased from 72% to 98%. CONCLUSION: Quality Improvement principles are feasible and effective to improve breastfeeding practices in the hospital setting.