Lactation Curricular Content of Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in the United States

Abstract

Category/Date

Evidence-Based Practice, Quality Improvement, & Practice Innovation Poster presented at NAPNAP's 45^th National Conference on Pediatric Health Care, Posters on the Move, March 14, 2024.

Background

Current research identifies the importance of comprehensive lactation knowledge among healthcare professionals to improve breastfeeding outcomes. There is a need for educational curricula to incorporate lactation content for student preparedness to provide competent care. PNPs are in a unique position to support, promote and manage lactation, however, it is unclear how they obtain the knowledge needed to support breastfeeding dyads.

Purpose

The aims of this study were to determine:

1. The amount and content of lactation education provided to PNP students in PNP-PC and PNP-AC/PC programs in the U.S.

2. The extent to which lactation education is included in clinical experiences.

3. Whether simulation is utilized to teach clinical lactation skills.

Details

A survey was deployed to PC and AC/PC Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs in the U.S. using a LimeSurvey platform. The response completion rate was 44.7%. Data collection included program descriptors, lactation curricular volume, educational topics, faculty preparation, use of simulation, and clinical lactation experiences.

Outcomes

Analyses revealed significant variance among the programs regarding the volume of lactation content and clinical opportunities. Three programs offered specific lactation courses; 19% devoted 1-2 hours to didactic lactation content, 44% provided up to 3 hours. Students had the opportunity to practice lactation skills in 68% of programs; four offered lactation simulation. No programs report utilizing standardized lactation clinical competencies.

Discussion

The findings of this study indicate that although lactation education is provided within PNP curricula, the content of that education is varied and inconsistent. In addition, there is a lack of lactation competencies expected of students during their clinical practicums. Establishing clear lactation clinical competencies and threading of lactation content throughout PNP programs while incorporating use of simulation experiences is one approach to providing more a comprehensive base of lactation education for future PNPs.