A review of breastfeeding training intervention studies that evaluate staff knowledge outcomes in NICU

BackgroundThe NICU environment presents many barriers for mothers to provide breast milk for their infants. In order to succeed, mothers require advice and assistance from healthcare staff, however some staff lack the necessary knowledge and skills to support them. This review evaluates studies of breastfeeding education interventions on staff knowledge outcomes.MethodsA systematic search of the literature was conducted. Research studies that measured NICU staff knowledge outcomes of training were included.ResultsFrom 94 studies identified, four were included, each demonstrated significant positive effects on staff knowledge outcomes following a breastfeeding educational intervention in NICU. There were no RCTs, three studies used a pre and post-test design, and one used a post-test only design. One study performed a time series analysis of knowledge, staff attitudes and beliefs and two studies conducted an audit of breastfeeding rates.ConclusionsThis review identified a lack of good quality evidence on the effectiveness of breastfeeding educational interventions for staff in NICU. Future research should address the breastfeeding education needs of multidisciplinary healthcare staff in NICU through large, well-conducted RCTs.