GRAP Opportunity – Breast is Best: Data to Increase Breastfeeding Resources at BMC (Bonawitz)
Opportunity ID: 01-Bonawitz
Project Title: Breast is Best: Data to Increase Breastfeeding Resources at Boston Medical Center
Faculty Mentor: Rachael Bonawitz
Description Statement:
There is substantial evidence that breastfeeding has direct clinical and long-term benefits for both mothers and infants across multiple settings, including urban, low-resource settings. Until 2012, the Pediatric Ambulatory Care Clinic (PACC) at BMC enjoyed lactation support services provided as needed by the cadre of inpatient international board certified lactation counselors (IBCLCs), but due to budget considerations, this service was removed from the ambulatory clinic. As the safety net hospital where the majority of patients delivering return for both pediatric and post-partum care, patients an incredible disservice by the glaring lack of breastfeeding resources currently present in the PACC at BMC. Anecdotally, outpatient clinicians at BMC witness a substantial drop-off from breastfeeding after nursery discharge, but there has not yet been formalized chart review and analysis to document the extent to which maternal breastfeeding falters after discharge from the Baby Friendly nursery. We are conducting the first baseline and endline evaluation to assess the difference in breastfeeding rates pre-2012, when CLCs were present in clinic, and from 2012 to June 2015, the three years without lactation support services were available (prior to establishment of the Nesting Clinic in June 2015). We anticipate presenting the evidence generated from this analysis to departmental and other sources of funding to demonstrate the importance of CLC support in the clinic and help secure funding for the interventions we propose in greater detail below.
Scope of Work:
I am looking for up to two students to work with me on this project. Tasks may include:
- Retrospective chart extraction of 390 pediatric patient charts with data collection;
- Data entry and database management;
- Simple data analysis;
- Coding qualitative interviews and focus group transcripts;
- Assistance developing study instruments;
- Other project-related tasks
Minimum skills desired:
Strong data collection and management skills; experience with Nvivo and qualitative research experience; interest in pediatrics, breastfeeding, urban health, low-resource settings.
Time/Date Expectations:
An estimated 100 hours of data extraction work, likely beginning Jan 2016 with expectation for all data collection to be complete by March 2016. Success with initial tasks will lead to opportunities for further involvement with the project, including analysis and project write-up.
Additional Material Requested: Writing sample
Number of Positions: One (1) to Two (2)
Logistics & Support: Biweekly meetings
