Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41106068›Full record

ArticleInternational journal of nursing studies2026

Implementing a change process to support respectful communication in newborn units in Kenya: A qualitative study.

Mwanamvua Boga, Peris Musitia, Dorothy Oluoch, Dyuti Sen, Hiza Dayo, Ane Haaland, Lisa Hinton, Jacinta Nzinga, Mike English, Sassy Molyneux

Abstract read
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Article in International journal of nursing studies, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

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2citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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2 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Mwanamvua BogaKEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kenya. Electronic address: mboga@kemri-wellcome.org.
Peris MusitiaKEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kenya; Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya.
Dorothy OluochKEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kenya.
Dyuti SenHealth Systems Collaborative, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK.
Hiza DayoKEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kenya.
Ane HaalandUniversity of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
Lisa HintonDepartment of Primary Care, University of Oxford, UK.
Jacinta NzingaKEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kenya; Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK.
Mike EnglishKEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kenya; Health Systems Collaborative, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK.
Sassy MolyneuxKEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kenya; Health Systems Collaborative, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK.

Funding

Wellcome Trust
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundIn contexts of high workloads, resource shortages, and environmental inadequacies, neonatal nurses in many low- and middle-income countries face high levels of stress and burnout, as well as significant communication challenges. Advancing care in these 'on the edge' emotionally fraught contexts requires a multi-layered systems approach, including context-sensitive courses that support respectful communication.

methodsWe share our learning from the implementation of a communication and emotional competence training process in two public hospital newborn units in Kenya. We adapted an existing course in collaboration with newborn unit nurse managers, with the aim of enhancing relationships among staff and with parents, as well as improving the quality of care. We drew on course data, 60 semi-structured interviews, and 70 h of post-course observations in newborn units. We developed a theory of change to inform our research. Data were analyzed thematically using NVivo version 12 software.

findingsEven in these highly challenging contexts, we documented positive effects on interactions with parents and colleagues, staff well-being, and management processes. However, there were significant differences between the two hospitals, and some unintended consequences, linked to relational readiness and capacity to create and maintain safe spaces. Key gains across both hospitals were a better awareness of communication behaviors and emotions, greater self-efficacy, and a reignited sense of professional values. Positive signs for spreading and sustaining gains included role-modeling new norms and incorporating modules into wider initiatives.

conclusionThere is potential value in incorporating participatory training processes into wider change initiatives. Nevertheless, given the massive workforce gaps and persistent space and resource challenges that undermine staff well-being and contribute to parental distress, tackling resource shortages remains essential.

Indexed as

CommunicationIntensive Care Units, NeonatalRespectHumansInfant, NewbornKenyaQualitative ResearchCommunication skillsEmotional competenceEmotional wellbeingNewborn nursesResource-constrained health systems

Identifiers

PMID41106068
PMCPMC12679207

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.