Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Abstract BACKGROUND: Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is one of the accident‑prone settings in
the health‑care system. There is a series of structural and process threats to the safety of infants
hospitalized in this unit, which can be prevented by taking the right actions. For this purpose,
developing standards based on current knowledge, available resources, and the context that provides
care can determine patient injury prevention requirements. Likewise, it can be a source for national
development and application of related guidelines and protocols. This study aims to develop patient
safety standards in the NICUs of Iran.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This mixed‑methods study will apply the exploration, preparation,
implementation, and sustainment framework to develop patient safety standards. In each phase of
this framework, a set of activities take place. Exploration is based on the world health organization
model to develop standards. Determining the validity and applicability of standards will be done in
Phase 2 (Preparation) and Phase 3 (Implementation), respectively. Since the long‑term effects are
not desired, the fourth phase (Sustainment) will not be considered.
DISCUSSION: Patient safety standards from this study will contribute to efficient and effective,
equitable, and high‑quality health‑care delivery. The application of them will further promote patient
safety and the quality of medical care in Iranian NICUs.

Abstract BACKGROUND: The main reason of newborn mortalities in low‑ and middle‑income countries is due
to the lack of skilled caregivers in providing essential care for babies. The aim of the present study
was to evaluate the implementation of helping babies survive (HBS) program to improve newborn
care condition in Isfahan, Iran.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This quasi‑experimental study was conducted in the labor and
midwifery wards of Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Isfahan. Convenience sampling method was used
for all healthy newborns who weighed >1500 g. First, the samples were selected for the control
group. Then, the Helping Babies Breathe and Essential Care for Every Baby training courses were
held over for ward nurses and midwives. Then, the samples of the intervention group were selected.
The research tools consisted of demographic characteristic questionnaire, caregiver performance
evaluation checklist, and breastfeeding registration checklist. SPSS software version 16 was used
for data analysis.
RESULTS: A total of 130 newborns were divided into control (n = 65) and intervention groups (n = 65).
The average time of umbilical cord clamping increased from 13.85 to 61.48 s, and the average
duration of skin‑to‑skin contact between mother and baby increased from 11.75 to 60.47 min. The
mean of early initiation of breastfeeding improved during the 1st h and the 1st day of the birth. The
rate of neonatal hypothermia in the intervention group decreased sharply.
CONCLUSION: The implementation of the HBS program can positively impact newborn care
condition.