Evaluation of the implementation of the Kangaroo Method: the case of a maternity ward in Belo Horizonte, state of Minas Gerais - Brazil

Abstract

This is an evaluation study of the implementation of Humanized Care for Low Birth Weight Newborn Infants - Kangaroo Method, in a maternity care facility in Belo Horizonte/MG, underpinned by the classic aspects of normative evaluation: structure, process and results. Data were collected by semi-participatory observation and interviews with 19 professionals and 13 participating mothers in the method in that institution. The structure was verified to be appropriate and on evaluation of the process, it was seen that the health care professionals grasped the method in differentiated ways. On assessment of results, it was identified that the babies assisted by this program were discharged earlier and the service was well evaluated by the mothers, who felt more confident to care for the premature baby.