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

Abstract

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. 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.