Professional perceptions of barriers and facilitators from the implementation of a neonatal early supported transfer to home intervention for late preterm infants: A qualitative study

Introduction

Late preterm infants may have prolonged stay in hospital due to increased care needs and a lack of community support. A neonatal early supported transfer to home (NEST@Home) intervention was introduced. We explored professional perceptions of barriers and facilitators to implementation of NEST@Home.

Methods

Neonatal healthcare professionals in England participated in group interviews based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Perceived barriers included lack of facilities, poor clinical buy-in, budget restraints, staff shortages, absence of policy, and a lack of commissioning support. Perceived facilitators to implementation included healthcare professional's positive attitudes, pre-discharge planning, parent education, parent training, and loan of monitoring equipment.

Conclusion

This study identified individual, interpersonal, and organisational features that may facilitate or impede the NEST@Home intervention. Further research is needed to identify how this intervention impacts outcomes, and to understand the experience of parents receiving NEST@Home.