To improve proportion of neonates receiving uninterrupted skin to skin contact at birth: A quality improvement project

Abstract

This quality improvement project aimed to enhance the proportion of neonates receiving uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth, a practice known to facilitate breastfeeding, improve infant physiology, and strengthen mother-infant bonding. Despite global recommendations, a notable gap exists in actual practice, particularly concerning the duration and prevalence of skin-to-skin contact in the immediate postpartum period. This study, conducted over four months at Maharishi Markandeshwar Medical College and Hospital, Solan, involved 100 late preterm and term neonates to establish a baseline of skin-to-skin contact practices and identify barriers to sustained contact. Through the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle approach, targeted interventions were implemented, including staff education on WHO guidelines, environmental adjustments, and procedural modifications to facilitate skin-to-skin contact. Post-intervention analysis showed a significant increase in the proportion of neonates receiving at least one hour of uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact, indicating the effectiveness of the quality improvement initiatives. The study underscores the feasibility of enhancing skin-to-skin contact practices through systematic, hospital-wide interventions.