Evaluation of a complex couplet care intervention in a neonatal intensive care unit: A mixed methods study protocol

Michella Runge K Bjerregaard, Anna Axelin, Emma Louise Malchau Carlsen, Hans Okkels Birk, Ingrid Poulsen, Patrick Palisz, Thomas Kallemose, Anne Brødsgaard

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Abstract

Background: Families with an infant in need of intensive care most often experience a harmful separation after birth. This is due to a division of medical specialties into neonatal care and maternal care. Therefore, a couplet care intervention is implemented for mother-infant dyads in a neonatal intensive care unit. This study protocol provides a comprehensive evaluation of the intervention. The aim is to evaluate the effect and implementation of a complex couplet care intervention to promote zero separation between mother and infant. Methods: The couplet care intervention is a family-centered model of care, where treatment-requiring mother-infant dyads will be admitted together and receive couplet care by neonatal nurses. The study adheres to the framework of the Medical Research Council and will use a mixed methods embedded design comprising a quasi-experimental trial and a qualitative process evaluation. Finally, a health economic evaluation will be conducted to assess the cost-effectiveness of this complex couplet care intervention. Discussion: Separation of mother-infant dyads after birth has an adverse impact on family health and well-being. This study protocol evaluates a complex couplet care intervention. With this study, a first step is taken to help bridge the gap between current practices and a new care model to prevent the separation of mothers and their infants.

Original languageEnglish
JournalPediatric Investigation
Volume8
Issue2
Pages (from-to)139-148
Number of pages10
ISSN2574-2272
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2024

Keywords

  • Complex interventions
  • Couplet care
  • Family-centered care
  • Neonatology
  • Zero separation

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