Defining Lactation Acuity to Improve Patient Safety and Outcomes

While substantial evidence exists identifying risks factors associated with premature weaning from breastfeeding, there are no previously published definitions of patient acuity in the lactation field. This article defines evidence-based levels of lactation acuity based on maternal and infant charac...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of human lactation 2011-05, Vol.27 (2), p.163-170
Main Author: Mannel, Rebecca
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Breast Feeding - statistics & numerical data
Female
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Health Promotion - methods
Humans
Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
Infant, Newborn
Intensive Care, Neonatal - methods
Lactation
Mothers - education
Nursing
Patient Education as Topic
Postnatal Care - methods
Quality of Health Care
Safety Management - methods
United States
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Summary:While substantial evidence exists identifying risks factors associated with premature weaning from breastfeeding, there are no previously published definitions of patient acuity in the lactation field. This article defines evidence-based levels of lactation acuity based on maternal and infant characteristics. Patient acuity, matching severity of illness to intensity of care required, is an important determinant of patient safety and outcomes. It is often used as part of a patient classification system to determine staffing needs and acceptable workloads in health care settings. As acuity increases, more resources, including more skilled clinicians, are needed to provide optimal care. Developing an evidence-based definition of lactation acuity can help to standardize terminology, more effectively distribute health care staff resources, encourage research to verify the validity and reliability of lactation acuity, and potentially improve breastfeeding initiation and duration rates.
ISSN:0890-3344
1552-5732
DOI:10.1177/0890334410397198