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G431(P) Close-contact care for unwell babies

Aims In the neonatal period close-contact care takes place during kangaroo-care or skin-to-skin contact. While the benefits to neonates are known, studies in older babies are sparse. Close-contact care of older babies in hospital (facilitated by a baby-carrier) may also have physiological and emotional benefits. Views on close-contact care from patient groups and professionals were sought, in order to inform future research design. Methods Three groups provided data for this study. Group A comprised ten caregivers completing an overnight stay in hospital. Using semi-structured interviews they were asked to consider how a baby-carrier could have affected their stay. Group B were caregivers who have used baby-carriers when their child was unwell and provided anecdotal experience through an online questionnaire. Group C were healthcare professionals who were asked their views through a second online questionnaire. A combination of quantitative and qualitative theme-based analyses were used. Results Group A: 90% of caregivers said they would have been keen to hold their baby in close-contact during their stay and were supportive of research. Group B: 1476 caregivers completed the survey, 96% said they would definitely or probably use their baby-carrier in the future for illness and 97% felt that it had made their hospital stay much or somewhat easier. Most common descriptors were ‘comforting’ (458 replies) and ‘reassuring’ (176). 1230 answered the question about safety concerns and despite a cumulative 29,533 months experience of carrying, no serious safety incidents were reported. The most common concerns regarded temperature regulation and external medical apparatus (e.g. cannulas). Group C: Of 33 healthcare professionals, most were supportive, nine respondents expressed concerns which mainly related to parent training, medical examination and performing observations. Conclusion There were no reported safety incidents from caregivers who have carried unwell babies; although existing carrier-users may exhibit reporting bias, it is encouraging that caregivers in hospital would be willing to undertake future research. Research should focus on temperature regulation with fever in baby-carriers and medical apparatus logistics, in addition to establishing potential physiological and emotional benefits of close-contact care for unwell babies in hospital.