Barriers and Facilitators to Conducting Kangaroo Mother Care in Italian Neonatal Intensive Care Units

This work aimed to investigate obstacles and facilitators for carrying out Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) across Italian NICUs. A survey that investigated Unit's characteristics, policies toward parents and KMC practice and policies was carried out. Data from 86 NICUs (80.4%) was collected. Descriptive statistics and Multiple Regression Models were computed. Eighty-one NICUs provided KMC. These NICUs had a less restricted parental access policies (chi2 = 7.373, p = .007). More than the 70% of the units did not have adequate facilities for parents. KMC daily length was positively predicted (R2 = 0.18, F = 7.91, p = .001) by repeated sessions and documentation of KMC. The implementation of KMC is characterized by different barriers and facilitators that determine the parent's possibility to provide KMC. Structural factors (e.g., adequate space and facilities) can support families in providing KMC. A unique result of this survey is that KMC documentation on medical records appears critical for improving its practice. Although most of the Italian units provide KMC as a routine practice, improving its practical support would be beneficial to its implementation. A more formalized approach to KMC may strengthen staff habits to consider KMC like a standard care treatment. •Kangaroo mother care (KMC) has still not been fully integrated into Italian NICUs.•Restricted parents' access and lack of facilities are barriers to implement KMC.•The possibility of daily repeated KMC sessions facilitate the implementation of KMC.•KMC documentation on medical records enable a daily longer duration of KMC.•KMC documentation may contribute to consider KMC a standard care treatment.