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Volume 13 Issue 11 (November) 2024

Original Articles

Quality Improvement Initiative To Improve Breastfeeding Rates And Monitoring Of Full-Term Neonates In The First Hour Of Life
Dr. Pinki Meena, Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Dr. Manmeet Kaur Sodhi, Dr. Suparna Grover, Dr. Tania

Background: Early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) during the "Golden Hour" after birth provides essential nutrients and immunological benefits, significantly reducing neonatal mortality. However, barriers such as cultural practices and health system gaps limit its practice. Objectives: To improve EIBF rates and neonatal monitoring within the first hour of life in full-term neonates (≥37 weeks gestation) through targeted quality improvement (QI) interventions. Methods: This study was conducted in the Pediatrics and Obstetrics & Gynecology departments of Guru Nanak Dev Hospital, Amritsar, from June 2023 to April 2024. The four-phase methodology included a baseline survey, barrier analysis, intervention implementation using Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles, and final analysis. Interventions included staff training, role assignments, poster displays, and weekly feedback sessions. Data were collected daily and analyzed using descriptive statistics and appropriate statistical tests, with run charts illustrating progress. Results: The EIBF rate improved from 12.65% at baseline to 56.95% by April 2024, with monitoring compliance increasing from 34.59% to 79.82%. Statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) were achieved through structured awareness campaigns, team involvement, and regular discussions. Sustained compliance was observed during the final analytical phase. Conclusion: This QI project demonstrated that systematic interventions, including education, accountability, and adaptive strategies, can significantly improve EIBF compliance. Active staff involvement and ongoing monitoring were critical to success. Embedding QI practices into routine care can sustainably enhance patient outcomes without additional resources, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

 
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