Development of an administrative neonatal database instrument for monitoring the status of neonatal intensive care practice in South Africa : a consensus research approach

Abstract

Various local and international neonatal nursing organisations have identified the dire need for a comprehensive administrative database reflecting the true status of neonatal intensive care practice in South Africa. This would enable neonatal interest groups to give input into policy-making; implement, monitor, and evaluate policies; identify particular needs to be addressed by quality improvement initiatives or projects; and to promote international benchmarking. The overall aim of this study was to determine the content of an administrative neonatal database instrument to enhance delivery of the highest quality nursing care to ill and highrisk neonates nationwide. The specific research objectives of this study were to describe and refine the content of such an instrument. This was achieved by using two consensus research methods, the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) and the Delphi method. For the NGT session representatives of organisations such as NNASA, SANITSA, SANC and The National Department of Health as well as trained neonatal nurses from both public and private sector hospitals were invited. Five participants attended the NGT session. An electronic format of the Delphi method, the e-Delphi, was used and included the participants from the NGT as well as additional unit managers, paediatricians and neonatologists. By the end of the third round of the e-Delphi method, six participants had fully participated. Through both phases data collection and analysis took place simultaneously. Based on the analysis, a draft instrument for data collection was compiled. This instrument will in the near future be piloted on a larger scale.