Acceptability and feasibility of the BEMPU TempWatch for hypothermia monitoring in neonatal care in Ghana: a qualitative study of clinicians’ perspectives

Abstract

Objective To identify factors influencing the acceptability and feasibility of using the BEMPU TempWatch bracelet in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).Methods and analysis We conducted in-depth interviews with 21 clinicians at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana, after the bracelet had been introduced in a pilot programme. A purposive sampling technique was used to select participants for in-depth interviews. SPSS Statistical Software was used for the descriptive analysis of the participants’ demographic information. Dedoose V.9.0.54 was used to analyse interview data using a thematic analysis approach. We used the domains and constructs of the Conceptual Framework for Implementation Research framework to inform themes for the key implementation outcomes (acceptability and feasibility).Results Most participants found the bracelet’s use in neonatal care acceptable in theory. However, most participants found the bracelet not feasible in the NICU in its current state and suggested modifications to the bracelet’s alarm system, fit, cost and additional features to improve its utility. Participants’ acceptance hinged on attitudes towards the bracelet’s utility in the NICU and its relative advantages to the current standards of practice. The identified determinants of feasibility centred primarily around the complexities or challenges of incorporating the bracelet into routine care, affordability and its compatibility with the workload in the NICU.Conclusion Modifications to the bracelet are required, and further research is needed to explore implementation strategies to effectively integrate an updated BEMPU TempWatch into routine care in the NICU and other settings.