In this episode of the Journal of Human Lactation podcast, hosts Ellen Chetwynd and Adina Kopinsky discuss the article “Utilizing Lactation Acuity to Improve Lactation Services in a U.S. Hospital” by Rebecca Mannel, MPH, IBCLC.

Guest Dr. Angela Lober, JHL Assistant Editor, long-time hospital-based lactation consultant, and researcher at AWHONN, joins us to provide insights.

The article explores how using an acuity-based model, commonly used in hospitals to prioritize care, can improve how lactation consultants allocate their time. By having maternity nurses handle lower-acuity cases, IBCLCs can focus on more complex breastfeeding issues. At the studied hospital, only five IBCLCs were available, which is less than half the recommended number, making efficient time usage essential.

Key takeaways:

• The acuity model helps prioritize lactation consults based on need.
  

• Tracking direct and indirect consult time gives a clearer picture of workload.
  

• Integrating lactation services into hospital systems similar to how other therapies are structured may elevate the field.
  

• Challenges include the dynamic nature of hospital care and overextended staff.
  

The study highlights a promising approach but also calls for broader replication and qualitative research to assess real-time effectiveness and staff experience.

Links to the articles: ⁠

Utilizing Lactation Acuity to Improve Lactation Services in a U.S. Hospital

Mannel R. Utilizing Lactation Acuity to Improve Lactation Services in a U.S. Hospital. Journal of Human Lactation. 2024;41(1):97-104. doi:10.1177/08903344241299402 

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