ABSTRACT
Objective
To understand the continuity of the third stage of the Kangaroo Method from the perspective of mothers and health professionals.
Method
This is a qualitative, exploratory-descriptive study, carried out in Family Health Units and in the homes of kangaroo mothers in a capital city in northeastern Brazil. Twelve health professionals and ten kangaroo mothers were interviewed. The empirical material was submitted to thematic analysis.
Results
Two thematic categories emerged: (Un)knowledge about the Kangaroo Method and its actions for the continuation of the third stage; and Obstacles to the continuation of the third stage of the Kangaroo Method.
Conclusion and implications for the practice
The following was identified: minimal knowledge of professionals and mothers about the Kangaroo Method, lack of training for primary care professionals, and a gap in communication between primary and tertiary care. There is discontinuity of care for children and kangaroo mothers after hospital discharge, as primary care professionals are not being co-participants in the follow-up. Knowing the reality of the third stage of the kangaroo method makes it possible to plan strategies to overcome the existing difficulties for continuity of the method and thus offer qualified and comprehensive care to the mother-baby kangaroo binomial.
Keywords:
Kangaroo-Mother Care Method; Primary Health Care; Mothers; Health professionals