Mapping Neonatal Nursing Interventions That Significantly Impact on Neonatal Outcomes to Neonatal Practice Standards

Purpose Identifying interventions that significantly impact on neonatal outcomes and mapping them to practice standards distinguishes neonatal nurses' unique contribution to quality health care. This article describes the implementation science model utilised by a group of senior neonatal nurses to develop an evidence-based audit tool and neonatal care bundle. Methods We utilised a four-step implementation science mapping process: 1) Establishment of a stakeholder group; 2) Identification of 20 nursing interventions with high to moderate evidence (certainty); 3) Mapping the interventions across National and International Neonatal Care Standards, and; 4) Development of seven Intervention/Standard Models. Results The project team identified 20 nursing interventions with high to moderate evidence (certainty) that positively impact neonatal morbidity and mortality. The interventions were then categorised into seven models and mapped against national and international neonatal nursing care standards to provide a comprehensive reference framework for defining best-practice neonatal care. The models included infant and family development, neonatal pain, nutrition and feeding, infant thermoregulation, respiratory support and care, prevention of neonatal jaundice, and the prevention of neonatal sepsis. Conclusion and practice implications The seven models provide a foundation for high-quality neonatal care that can be used to measure and ensure adequate neonatal staffing and skill mix.