Implementing neurodevelopment as a model of care to protect and support preterm infant development (INDeSC)
Executive summary
The effect of neurodevelopmental supportive care is well researched, but it is not always practiced as a comprehensive model of care in all South African NICUs. This research proposal is aimed at the implementation of neurodevelopmental supportive care (INDeSC) to protect and support preterm infant development in all neonatal units in South Africa. A national level, multi-site implementation, involving a large number of collaborators is planned.
Implementation research is complex in nature and draw on a variety of research strategies. This multi-site implementation will utelise the 6-step KMC progress monitoring tool (Bergh et al. 2012), to guide the intervention – INDeSC. Step 1: Creating awareness, Step 2: Adopting the concept, Step 3: Taking ownership, Step 4: Evidence of practice, Step 5: Evidence of routine and integration, Step 6: Sustainable practice.
Due to multiple site implementation, project leaders for each site will be trained on the Transformational Leadership Model principles and NDSC content.
Expected outcomes include evidence of the sustainable practice of NDSC in all the enrolled neonatal units, a number of post-graduate qualifications and articles submitted for publication. Furthermore, leadership will be developed in clinicians involved in the implementation which will contribute to capacity building within the healthcare sector involved in preterm infant care, contributing to enhance short- and long-term neonatal outcomes.