A methodological study to develop standard operational protocol for feeding preterm neonates with expressed breast milk

Abstract

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess the current practices, to identify barriers and facilitators for feeding preterm neonates with expressed breast milk (EBM), and to develop standard operational protocol (SOP) and checklist for feeding preterm neonates with EBM. Materials and Methods: The methodological research design was used in the present study, and it was conducted in a tertiary level neonatal unit, North India. Sample population was nursing staff, preterm neonates, and their mothers, admitted in neonatal unit. To enroll nursing staff and preterm neonates, total enumeration sampling technique was used, whereas purposive sampling technique was used to select mothers of preterm neonates. Research project was carried out in five phases. Results: After assessment of the current practices, focus group discussions were conducted with nursing staff and mothers to know the barriers and facilitators. Findings of discussions were used to develop SOP and checklists. Three Delphi rounds were conducted to finalize the content and calculate content validity index (CVI). After the 3rd round, the CVI was 0.99 for SOP and 1.00 for checklists. Cronbach