Action research as sustainable healthcare quality improvement: Advances in neonatal care emphasising collaboration, communication and empowerment

Abstract

Neonatal resuscitation can save newborn lives when performed by competent staff in a setting that is adequately equipped and organised. To develop strategies to sustain quality improvement in neonatal resuscitation, an initiative was launched in a maternity section of a district hospital in Gauteng, South Africa, using Piggot-Irvine’s Problem Resolving Action Research model. The application of the Problem Resolving Action Research model, using multiple data collection and analysis techniques in three cycles, facilitated improvement and transformation towards sustainable changes related to neonatal resuscitation in the specific context. The changes included development of policies, improved infrastructure, enhanced teamwork and collaboration, empowerment and professional development of staff, and integrating theory in neonatal practice. The outcomes resulted in improved staff competency and reduced neonatal mortality and morbidity in the particular setting.