Expert Opinions on an Optimal Infant Feeding Quantitative Data Framework: A Mixed Methods Delphi-Style Study in the UK

Background

This study aimed to explore how expert stakeholders involved in research, policy and practice would define an ideal dataset for collecting infant feeding data, to better align efforts to monitor and evaluate breastfeeding across the UK four nations.

Methodology

Using the Delphi method, two phases of consultation were completed with a total of 42 stakeholders. First, qualitative (Round 1) and quantitative (Round 2) surveys were distributed to an interdisciplinary panel of experts, to identify individual-level agreement for key terms and timepoints for data collection relevant to infant age. Second, policy-led stakeholders discussed outcomes from Phase 1, before contributing to a written consultation response for their nation to indicate group-level agreement.

Results

Across Phase 1 surveys, 13 of 15 indicators reached consensus for definitions, and 11 of 13 reached consensus for timepoints. During Phase 2, 5 of 7 indicators reached a level of final agreement. Data collection was suggested to focus on the intention to breastfeed (around birth), and the early initiation of feeding (from birth to 10 days). Monitoring of ‘exclusive’ breastfeeding from 0 to 6 months, ‘any’ breastfeeding from 0 to 24 months, and complementary feeding at 6 and 12 months, were identified as key touchpoints.

Principal Conclusions

To support the feasibility of data reforms across UK nations, these results identify consensus for a shortlist of shared data indicators (see Supplementary Figure 1), highlighting opportunities for data collection that close the gap with international standards, and align with existing monitoring frameworks and healthcare practice.