Development of a conceptual tool for the implementation of kangaroo mother care.

AIM To develop a conceptual tool to assist healthcare workers and management in the implementation of a kangaroo mother care programme. METHODS A qualitative research approach was followed and methods included on-site observations and informal conversational interviews, as well as unstructured, in-depth interviews with senior managers, doctors and nurses at two large training hospitals in the north of South Africa. A consultative process was used to refine the tool. RESULTS The patterns that emerged from the data were captured in a diagram, entitled: "Main issues in the establishment of kangaroo mother care". In addition, a set of core questions was developed to assist in decision-making at institutional level. CONCLUSION The diagram and questions contain concepts that could be adapted and used by a healthcare facility's multidisciplinary team in planning the implementation of kangaroo mother care and in reviewing the progress made in the implementation and the quality of the kangaroo mother care provided.