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Griffiths N, Laing S, Spence K, Foureur M, Popat H, Hickey L, Sinclair L. Developmental care education in Australian surgical neonatal intensive care units: A cross-sectional study of nurses' perceptions. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30572. [PMID: 38799751 PMCID: PMC11126797 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Nurse perceptions of developmental care practices have been researched globally for almost 30 years. Yet, there is a lack of research exploring this subject in the specialised setting of the surgical neonatal intensive care unit (sNICU). This research explores the effect of developmental care education programs on sNICU nurses' perceptions of developmental care. Objective To determine perceptions and attitudes towards developmental care in a specialty neonatal setting. Design Cross-sectional study. Settings Two surgical neonatal intensive care units in Australia. Participants Registered nurses permanently employed at the study sites between May 2021 to April 2022. Methods A modified electronic survey explored sNICU nurse perceptions of developmental care organised around three themes: effects of developmental care on parents and infants, application of developmental care, and unit practices. Associations between site, nurse characteristics, developmental care education and nurses' perceptions were explored using logistic regression [odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI)]. Results Of 295 sNICU nurses, 117 (40 %) participated in the survey. Seventy-five percent of respondents had attended a formal developmental care education program. High levels of agreement (>90 %) were reported regarding the benefits of developmental care for parents and infants. Exposure to developmental care education influenced perceptions of its application. Nurses without formal developmental care education were more likely to agree that it was consistently applied [OR:3.3, 95%CI:1.3-8.6], developmental care skills are valued [OR:2.7, 95%CI:1.1-6.8], and that their nursing peers offered support in its application ([OR:2.5, 95%CI:1.1-6.2]. Conclusions The results from our research suggest sNICU nurses have a high level of awareness of developmental care and its positive impacts. Despite differences between the surveyed units' developmental care education programs, the value of developmental care in reducing stress for infants and supporting families was collectively recognised. Future research in this setting should focus on evaluating the application of developmental care in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Griffiths
- Grace Centre for Newborn Intensive Care, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, 2145, NSW Australia, Australia
- University of Technology Sydney, Centre of Midwifery, Child and Family Health, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Sharon Laing
- Grace Centre for Newborn Intensive Care, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, 2145, NSW Australia, Australia
| | - Kaye Spence
- Grace Centre for Newborn Intensive Care, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, 2145, NSW Australia, Australia
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Parramatta, NSW, Australia
| | - Maralyn Foureur
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan Campus, 2308, NSW, Australia
| | - Himanshu Popat
- Grace Centre for Newborn Intensive Care, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, 2145, NSW Australia, Australia
- The University of Sydney, Jane Foss Russell Building Camperdown 2006, NSW Australia, Australia
| | - Leah Hickey
- The Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Rd, Parkville, 3052, Victoria Australia, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Grattan Street, Parkville Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Lynn Sinclair
- University of Technology Sydney, Centre of Midwifery, Child and Family Health, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
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Mohagheghi P, Razavinia F, Khosravi A, Mousavi SS. Effect of a Multifaceted Approach on Perceived Support Among Mothers of Preterm Infants: A Quasi-Experimental Study. SAGE Open Nurs 2024; 10:23779608241231193. [PMID: 38529052 PMCID: PMC10962032 DOI: 10.1177/23779608241231193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mothers of preterm infants need support to deal with the issues caused by the early birth of their infants. Objective The authors examined the impact of a multifaceted supportive approach on the mothers' perceived support levels. Methods The present quasi-experimental study was performed on 143 mother-preterm infant pairs, in two neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) of referral and educational hospitals in Tehran, Iran. The base of developed interventions was known to support system patterns of mothers with preterm infants. Different supportive interventions (appraisal, instrumental, emotional, and informational) of mothers were implemented during three months. The Nurse Parent Support Tool was applied for assessing perceptions of perceived support by mothers. Routine care was provided for the control group. The results were analyzed by STATA software 13. Categorical variables were analyzed by chi-square test, t-test, and inverse probability treatment weights. Results Following adjustments of mean differences of outcomes between study groups (95% confidence interval), all support scores, such as instrumental support, -1.23 (95% CI -1.04 to -1.43), total support, -1.83 (95% CI -1.6 to -2.06), appraisal support, -2.01 (95% CI -1.73 to -2.29), emotional support, -1.87 (95% CI -2.15 to 1.6), and informational support, -2.12 (95% CI -1.82 to -2.43), were significantly higher in the interventional group than in the control group (p < .001). Conclusions Support received by mothers of preterm infants determines maternal/neonatal health. Information sharing and effective ways to support are essential elements in the mother's ability to deal with the new, stressful situation. This multifaceted supportive approach considerably improved mothers' perceived support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Mohagheghi
- Pediatric Department Medical Faculty, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Razavinia
- Midwifery Department, Reproductive Health Promotion Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Khosravi
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Saeedeh Mousavi
- Department of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Lam JY, Howlett A, Stephen LM, Brindle ME. Parental perceptions and experiences of care in the surgical neonatal intensive care unit. Pediatr Surg Int 2023; 39:210. [PMID: 37261599 PMCID: PMC10234908 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-023-05484-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents endure significant stress when their newborns require surgery while in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Our study aims to explore the surgical NICU experience from the parents' perspective and identify areas that may improve this experience. A secondary objective was to integrate their feedback to refine the implementation strategy of the neonatal enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS®) guideline. METHODS In December 2019, five surgical NICU parents participated in a focus group. Conversation surrounded parents' perspectives and experiences of the surgical NICU. Inductive analysis was performed to identify data, themes, and concepts that emerged from the discussion. RESULTS Participants identified four major interrelated themes that impacted the surgical parents' NICU experience. These themes include (1) parental state, both physical and emotional, (2) the altered parental caregiver role which necessitates identifying alternative meaningful parental experiences, (3) the care team dynamic, incorporating consistency and effective communication, and (4) the discharge process which may be significantly eased through graduated, hands-on training. CONCLUSION Key elements of the neonatal ERAS® guideline address major themes and stressors identified by parents. The parental perspective may help clinicians appreciate the parent surgical NICU experience and assist in improving family-centered care to surgical infants and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Y Lam
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Western University, Children's Hospital-London Health Sciences Centre, B1-188, 800 Commissioners Rd. E, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada.
| | - Alexandra Howlett
- Section of Neonatology, University of Calgary, Alberta Children's Hospital, 28 Oki Dr. NW, Calgary, AB, T3B 6A8, Canada
| | - Lori M Stephen
- Section of Neonatology, University of Calgary, Alberta Children's Hospital, 28 Oki Dr. NW, Calgary, AB, T3B 6A8, Canada
| | - Mary E Brindle
- Section of Pediatric Surgery, University of Calgary, Alberta Children's Hospital, 28 Oki Dr. NW, Calgary, AB, T3B 6A8, Canada
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Abukari AS, Schmollgruber S. Concepts of family-centered care at the neonatal and paediatric intensive care unit: A scoping review. J Pediatr Nurs 2023:S0882-5963(23)00088-X. [PMID: 37120388 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2023.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding family-centred care (FCC) concepts is critical for its implementation in any context. The researchers synthesised studies on FCC in neonatal and paediatric critical care units in order to present its concepts and gaps in the literature to guide further research in the area. METHOD The study used the JBI methodology, and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines confirmed the final report. The search for material, with the use of library sources, used Medline via PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Wiley Library online for papers published in English from 2015 to 2019 and updated to 2023. RESULTS From 904 references, 61 studies were identified for inclusion. The majority of the studies (29; 55.77%) were qualitative ethnography and phenomenology. Four themes and ten subthemes emerged from the data to support the main concepts of FCC. CONCLUSION To guide its useful integration and implementation, more research on family-centred care in neonatal and paediatric intensive care units, involving families, staff, and managers, should be undertaken. PRACTICE IMPLICATION Findings presented in this review may provide a guide for nurses to adjust nursing interventions for critically ill neonates and children in intensive care units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alhassan Sibdow Abukari
- Department of Nursing Education, School of Therapeutics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Ghana; Department of Nursing, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Wisconsin International University, Ghana
| | - Shelley Schmollgruber
- Department of Nursing Education, School of Therapeutics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Ghana.
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Nickbakht M, Meyer C, Beswick R, Scarinci N. Minimum Data Set for Families of Children With Hearing Loss: An eDelphi Study. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2022; 65:1615-1629. [PMID: 35201846 DOI: 10.1044/2021_jslhr-21-00356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Assessing the unique needs of each family following the diagnosis of a hearing loss is central to the delivery of family-centered hearing health care. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a Minimum Data Set (MDS) that could be used in the design of a needs assessment tool for families of children with hearing loss transitioning to early intervention. METHOD A list of potential items for the MDS was prepared. In a two-round electronic Delphi study in Australia, hearing researchers (N = 15 in Round 1; N = 9 in Round 2), clinicians, and professionals working in early intervention for children with hearing loss (N = 85) were asked to review the potential items and to rate the importance of items using a Likert scale. RESULTS Consensus was reached on 32 main items to be included in the MDS across six categories, including informational support (13 items), professional support (five items), peer support (one item), skills and knowledge (seven items), financial support (three items), and methods of information provision (three items). Eight optional items that could be considered for inclusion in the MDS were also identified. CONCLUSIONS The proposed MDS could support hearing professionals in identifying families' needs in order to provide individualized information and support. Future research is needed to conduct a pilot study to evaluate the needs assessment tool in terms of usability, feasibility, and therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansoureh Nickbakht
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Carly Meyer
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Rachael Beswick
- Healthy Hearing Program, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Nerina Scarinci
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Ciupitu-Plath C, Tietz F, Herzberg J. Parent needs assessment instruments in neonatal intensive care units: Implications for parent education interventions. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2021; 104:2661-2669. [PMID: 33840550 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Psychosocial and educational interventions based on standardized needs assessment can help alleviate distress among parents of premature infants. This study aims to (1) provide an overview of standardized instruments used to assess parental needs in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and (2) discuss their potential to facilitate the provision of appropriate support to parents of premature babies. METHODS A systematic literature review was conducted. PubMed, CiNAHL, PsychARTICLES, PsychINFO, and Medline were searched for studies reporting on the use of validated parental needs assessment instruments in the NICU. RESULTS Following the analysis of 33 publications, 6 instruments designed to assess the needs of premature infants' parents were identified. Based on their good psychometric properties and practicality, the NICU Family Needs Inventory, the Critical Care Maternal Needs Inventory, and the Nurse Parent Support Tool were considered particularly relevant for use in clinical and research settings. CONCLUSIONS Validated parent needs assessment instruments are available for use in the NICU setting. Further research evaluating the benefits and usability of standardized parental needs assessment in the NICU is needed. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Validated needs assessment instruments should be consistently used to facilitate the development of targeted psychosocial and educational interventions for parents in the NICU.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Franziska Tietz
- Education Center for Nursing Professions, DRK Hospitals, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jana Herzberg
- Clinical Nursing Science Unit, Charité Center 1 for Health and Human Sciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Adama EA, Adua E, Bayes S, Mörelius E. Support needs of parents in neonatal intensive care unit: An integrative review. J Clin Nurs 2021; 31:532-547. [PMID: 34312923 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Having an infant in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is associated with intense emotional stress for both mothers and fathers. However, with the right support from staff, this stress can be reduced significantly. Although evidence on needs of parents in the neonatal unit exists, there is lack of a systematic integrative review on the support needs of parents in the neonatal unit. Current review evidence is needed to support busy neonatal unit clinicians in their practice. AIM AND OBJECTIVES The purpose of this integrative review is to explore the current available evidence to describe and understand the support needs of parents of infants in the NICU. METHODS The integrative review process of Whittemore and Knafl (2005) was used to guide this study. Six databases-MEDLINE, CINHAL, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and PsycINFO-were searched for eligible studies using relevant keywords. Primary studies published in English language from 2010 to 2021 were reviewed following a pre-determined inclusion criteria. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were critically appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). The review report is guided by the PRISMA 2020 checklist for systematic reviews. RESULTS Overall, 24 primary qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods studies were included in the review. Analysis of included studies resulted in six themes that demonstrate the support needs of parents in the NICU; 1. Information needs; 2. Emotionally intelligent staff; 3. Hands-on support; 4. Targeted support; 5. Emotional needs; and 6. Practical needs. CONCLUSION This review has presented the current evidence on the needs of parents from their own perspective. Healthcare workers' understanding and supporting these needs in the NICU is likely to increase parental satisfaction and improve health outcomes for parents, infants and their family. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Parents of infants in the NICU require staff support to enhance their experiences, well-being, caring and parenting confidence during admission and post-discharge. As parents are in constant need for informational, emotional and practical support, continuing professional development for NICU staff should place emphasis on effective communication strategies, enhancing emotional intelligence and empathy among staff. NICU staff should build positive ongoing relationships with parents and provide targetted support for mothers and fathers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Abena Adama
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Eric Adua
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Sara Bayes
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Evalotte Mörelius
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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The Evolution of an Interdisciplinary Developmental Round in a Surgical Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Adv Neonatal Care 2021; 21:E2-E10. [PMID: 32384324 DOI: 10.1097/anc.0000000000000741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developmentally supportive environments are known to improve medical outcomes for hospitalized neonates and are considered the overarching philosophy for practice in the neonatal setting. Developmental rounds are a strategy incorporated by multidisciplinary teams to support development within and beyond the neonatal unit. Typically, they consist of bedside consultations and individualized developmentally supportive recommendations for families and clinicians. Globally, the use of developmental rounds has been described since the early 1990s. They are viewed as a measure to counter some of the barriers to developmental care implementation while buffering against the effect of an intensive care admission. To date, their use in the surgical neonatal intensive care unit (sNICU) has been minimally reported in literature. PURPOSE This article describes the focus and work of a developmental round team and strategy in the sNICU. METHOD A retrospective audit of developmental round key performance criteria undertaken over a 4-year period (2015-2018). FINDINGS/RESULTS More than 300 developmental consults and 2000 individualized developmental recommendations occurred annually. Parental presence during the developmental round increased by 10%, from 48% to 58%, during the audit period. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE/IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH Literature has supported the use of developmental round interventions; however, minimal data have been reported to date. This article provides retrospective audit data of a developmental round intervention in the sNICU with a focus on data over 4 years to highlight key areas, including the structure and process, recommended educational standards for team members, and parental engagement, as key markers for developmental round efficacy. Future research should focus on the link between the developmental round intervention and long-term neonatal outcomes.
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Needs of Socioeconomically Diverse Fathers of Premature Hospitalized Infants: A Multicenter Study. Adv Neonatal Care 2021; 21:E11-E22. [PMID: 32769372 DOI: 10.1097/anc.0000000000000767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To effectively practice true family-centered care (FCC) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) setting, a nurse needs to understand the perceptions and concerns of all fathers. Although research is emerging on fathers' perceptions and experiences, the samples of fathers represented are not from diverse socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic populations, which limit the findings' generalizability. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine the needs of NICU fathers and whether these needs differed based on sociodemographic factors. METHODS A quantitative, comparative, descriptive design was used to determine the needs of NICU fathers. Additional analysis was conducted to determine whether the needs differed based on education, income, and gestational age, whether the father preferred speaking English or Spanish, and whether these sociodemographic factors could predict needs. To determine sociodemographic factors and needs, a demographic questionnaire and the NICU Family Needs Inventory were administered to 99 fathers in 6 level III NICUs. RESULTS Data were analyzed using independent sample t test, 1-way analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression. The results showed that fathers reported a broad span of needs and fathers from disadvantaged populations may have greater needs in certain areas. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE These results emphasize the importance of the nurses' role in assessing the needs of NICU fathers. By understanding fathers' needs, nurses can provide individualized FCC to fathers to help them be more involved in the care and support of their infant. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH Further research is needed to support these findings and test interventions that promote communication between providers and fathers.
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Abstract
Having a child admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is traumatic for both parents, but mothers and fathers may have different experiences, and thus, different needs. The purpose of this integrative review was to identify the needs of fathers of premature infants. A systematic review of 7 databases was conducted, and studies were evaluated by the Critical Appraisal Programme checklist. To provide structure for searching and reporting findings, the Whittemore and Knafle interpretive methodology and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis methodology were used. A total of 19 articles were identified. The resulting themes included: need to be close to infant and involved in infant's care; need for information; need for a better NICU environment; need for emotional support; and need for a relationship with the NICU staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Merritt
- College of Nursing, Texas Woman's University, Dallas
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11
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Kim AR. Addressing the Needs of Mothers with Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Qualitative Secondary Analysis. Asian Nurs Res (Korean Soc Nurs Sci) 2020; 14:327-337. [PMID: 32937202 DOI: 10.1016/j.anr.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Mothers of infants hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) need to be recognized as essential partners of the care team as their presence and involvement are key to infants' health and developmental outcomes. Addressing mothers' perceived needs is beneficial for the improvement of supportive nursing care; however, little qualitative research on their unmet needs has been conducted in South Korea. This study assessed mothers' perspectives on their NICU experiences and their unmet needs within the South Korean cultural context. METHOD A cross-sectional, multicentered, secondary analysis study was conducted using the written responses to an open-ended questionnaire. Of the 344 NICU-experienced mothers, 232 throughout South Korea (seven cities and five provinces) voluntarily completed the questionnaire via smartphone-based or web-based surveys. Their narrative responses were analyzed using thematic content analysis guided by the critical incident technique. RESULTS Four themes emerged. NICU-experienced mothers of preterm infants referred to the "family-friendly environment" (16.4%) as a positive experience. The greatest unmet need was "relationship-based support" (58.2%), followed by "information and education-based support" (20.0%) and "system-level challenges" (5.4%). CONCLUSION The importance of creating a family-friendly NICU environment should be emphasized by ensuring 24-hour unrestricted access and encouraging active parental involvement in infant care, as well as actively supporting NICU families through supportive words and actions. The assurance of antiinfection management and better staffing levels should be fundamentally guaranteed to NICU staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ah Rim Kim
- Department of Nursing, Far East University, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea.
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12
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Govindaswamy P, Laing SM, Waters D, Walker K, Spence K, Badawi N. Fathers' needs in a surgical neonatal intensive care unit: Assuring the other parent. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232190. [PMID: 32374739 PMCID: PMC7202595 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Fathers of infants admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) play an important role and have individual needs that are often not recognised. While there is considerable evidence regarding mothers’ needs in the NICU, information about fathers’ is particularly limited. This study identifies the needs of fathers of newborns admitted to NICU for general surgery of major congenital anomalies, and whether health-care professionals meet these needs. Methods Forty-eight fathers of infants admitted for surgery between February 2014 and September 2015 were enrolled in a prospective cohort study. Fathers completed the Neonatal Family Needs Inventory comprising 56 items in 5 subscales (Support, Comfort, Information, Proximity, Assurance) at admission and discharge and whether these needs were met; as well as the Social Desirability Scale. Results Responses showed Assurance was the most important subscale (M 3.8, SD .26). Having questions answered honestly (M 3.9, SD .20) and knowing staff provide comfort to their infant (M 3.94, SD .24) were fathers’ most important needs. By discharge, fathers expressed a greater importance on being recognised and more involved in their infant’s care. More than 91% indicated their ten most important needs were met by the NICU health-care professionals, with no significant changes at discharge. Clergical visits (M 2.08, SD 1.21) were least important. Conclusions Reassurance is a priority for fathers of neonates in a surgical NICU, particularly regarding infant pain management and comfort. It is important that health-care professionals provide reliable, honest information and open-access visiting. Notably, fathers seek greater recognition of their role in the NICU—beyond being the ‘other’ parent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Govindaswamy
- Grace Centre for Newborn Care, Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Donna Waters
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Nursing School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Karen Walker
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Nursing School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kaye Spence
- Grace Centre for Newborn Care, Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia
| | - Nadia Badawi
- Grace Centre for Newborn Care, Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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A Qualitative Study on the Psychological Needs of Hospitalized Newborns’ Parents During COVID-19 Outbreak in China. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS 2020. [DOI: 10.5812/ijp.102748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Bry A, Wigert H. Psychosocial support for parents of extremely preterm infants in neonatal intensive care: a qualitative interview study. BMC Psychol 2019; 7:76. [PMID: 31783784 PMCID: PMC6883543 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-019-0354-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Extremely premature infants (those born before 28 weeks’ gestational age) are highly immature, requiring months of care at a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). For parents, their child’s grave medical condition and prolonged hospitalization are stressful and psychologically disruptive. This study aimed at exploring the needs of psychosocial support of parents of extremely premature infants, and how the NICU as an organization and its staff meets or fails to meet these needs. Method Sixteen open-ended interviews were conducted with 27 parents after their infant’s discharge from the NICU. Inductive content analysis was performed. Results Four themes were identified: Emotional support (with subthemes Empathic treatment by staff, Other parents as a unique source of support, Unclear roles of the various professions); Feeling able to trust the health care provider; Support in balancing time spent with the infant and other responsibilities; Privacy. Parents of extremely premature infants needed various forms of emotional support at the NICU, including support from staff, professional psychological help and/or companionship with other patients’ parents. Parents were highly variable in their desire to discuss their emotional state with staff. The respective roles of nursing staff, social workers and psychologists in supporting parents emotionally and identifying particularly vulnerable parents appeared unclear. Parents also needed to be able to maintain a solid sense of trust in the NICU and its staff. Poor communication with and among staff, partly due to staff discontinuity, damaged trust. Parents struggled with perceived pressure from staff to be at the hospital more than they could manage and with the limited privacy of the NICU. Conclusions The complex and individual psychosocial needs of parents of extremely preterm infants present many challenges for the NICU and its staff. Increasing staffing and improving nurses’ competence in addressing psychosocial aspects of neonatal care would help both nurses and families. Clarifying the roles of different professions in supporting parents and developing their teamwork would lessen the burden on nurses. Communicating with parents about their needs and informing them early in their NICU stay about available support would be essential in helping them cope with their infant’s hospitalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bry
- Division of Neonatology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Helena Wigert
- Division of Neonatology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Institute of Health and Care Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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