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Hassan H, Williams F, Cordwell J, Mann J. Ethnic minority fathers' experiences of the Neonatal Care Unit: barriers to accessing psychological support. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2023:1-13. [PMID: 38018095 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2023.2287079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Neonatal Care Unit is a challenging environment for parents. Previous literature documents the need for increased and more specialised understanding of support for fathers. There remains a dearth of literature on the experiences of ethnic minority fathers in particular, who may be less likely to access psychological support available. METHOD This project aimed to understand the barriers ethnic minority fathers face when accessing psychology support at a Neonatal Care Unit in England. Seven fathers from ethnic minority backgrounds participated in semi-structured interviews after their babies were discharged. RESULTS Data were analysed using a Reflexive Thematic Analysis approach. Three main themes were identified: 'Psychology is a Threat', 'It's Not Really Talked About in our Culture', and 'A Space for Mum, Not Me'. These themes are discussed in reference to the extant literature, and recommendations are provided to improve access to support in this neonatal unit. CONCLUSIONS There is a need to recognise interacting influences of gender and cultural norms in supporting these fathers, including understanding the role of psychology, consideration of stigma, and knowing families in relation to their cultural context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hibah Hassan
- The Oxford Institute of Clinical Psychology Training and Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Fin Williams
- The Oxford Institute of Clinical Psychology Training and Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jacinta Cordwell
- Children's Psychological Medicine, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Joanna Mann
- Children's Psychological Medicine, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, UK
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Lee J, Choi S. The experience of fathers whose infants were hospitalized in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in South Korea: A scoping review. J Pediatr Nurs 2023; 72:36-44. [PMID: 37037103 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2023.03.015] [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] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
PROBLEM The purpose of this scoping review was to map and organize the previous studies conducted among fathers whose infants experienced admission to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in South Korea. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA A scoping review was conducted based on Arksey and O'Malley using the JBI template. The review was described by PRISMA-ScR. The studies were reviewed through five electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, RISS and KMbase) since 1996. Each study was analyzed, extracted, and summarized into the following domains: general characteristics (language, design, data collection methods, intervention, data collection site, and time) and fathers' characteristics (types of fathers, mean age, variables related to the fathers, and measurements). SAMPLE A total of 290 studies were identified after screening titles and abstracts, and 32 full-text articles were retrieved for eligibility. Finally, 15 articles were included in the review. RESULTS Four themes were derived after review: paternal stress, paternal attachment, fathers' adaptation, and fathers' support needs. CONCLUSIONS Infants' hospitalization in NICUs causes stress for fathers but they overcome difficulties and play multiple roles as guardians, caregivers, and decision-makers of their spouses and infants over time. Paternal attachment increases significantly after participating in tactile and educational interventions. Fathers rely on nurses and they want to receive support from nurses. IMPLICATIONS It is necessary for NICU nurses to understand and support fathers whose infants are hospitalized in NICUs. Medical institutions should provide nursing interventions and education for fathers to relieve their stress, help their adaptation, and improve attachment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyeon Lee
- College of Nursing, Catholic University of Pusan, 57 Oryundae-ro, Geumjung-gu, Busan 46252, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sunyeob Choi
- Ewha Womans University, College of Nursing, 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodamaemun-gu, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea.
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Vance AJ, Malin KJ, Miller J, Shuman CJ, Moore TA, Benjamin A. Parents' pandemic NICU experience in the United States: a qualitative study. BMC Pediatr 2021; 21:558. [PMID: 34886824 PMCID: PMC8655088 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-021-03028-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, parents of infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) frequently reported high levels of stress, uncertainty, and decreased parenting confidence. Early research has demonstrated that parents have had less access to their infants in the hospital due to restrictions on parental presence secondary to the pandemic. It is unknown how parents have perceived their experiences in the NICU since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to describe the lived experience of parents who had an infant in the NICU in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic to inform healthcare providers and policy makers for future development of policies and care planning. Methods The study design was a qualitative description of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on parents’ experiences of having an infant in the NICU. Free-text responses to open-ended questions were collected as part of a multi-method study of parents’ experiences of the NICU during the first six months of the pandemic. Participants from the United States were recruited using social media platforms between the months of May and July of 2020. Data were analyzed using a reflexive thematic approach. Findings Free-text responses came from 169 parents from 38 different states in the United States. Three broad themes emerged from the analysis: (1) parents’ NICU experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic were emotionally isolating and overwhelming, (2) policy changes restricting parental presence created disruptions to the family unit and limited family-centered care, and (3) interactions with NICU providers intensified or alleviated emotional distress felt by parents. A unifying theme of experiences of emotional distress attributed to COVID-19 circumstances ran through all three themes. Conclusions Parents of infants in the NICU during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic experienced emotional struggles, feelings of isolation, lack of family-centered care, and deep disappointment with system-level decisions. Moving forward, parents need to be considered essential partners in the development of policies concerning care of and access to their infants. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12887-021-03028-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlee J Vance
- National Clinician Scholars Program, University of Michigan, School of Nursing, NCRC Building 14, Suite G-100, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Kathryn J Malin
- Marquette University, College of Nursing, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Jacquelyn Miller
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | | | - Tiffany A Moore
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Nursing, Omaha, NE, USA
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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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Rio L, Donadeo Fadda M, Lambert S, Ramelet AS. Beliefs and needs of fathers of newborns hospitalised in a neonatal unit: A descriptive correlational study. Aust Crit Care 2021; 35:167-173. [PMID: 34049773 DOI: 10.1016/j.aucc.2021.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transition to parenthood is a wonderful yet stressful period especially when it involves the newborn's hospitalisation. To support and facilitate this transition, it is essential to understand parental beliefs and needs. The father's perspective remains an understudied yet fundamental question. OBJECTIVES The objective of the study was to measure beliefs and needs of fathers of newborns hospitalised in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and their correlations with sociodemographic variables. METHODS Fathers with a newborn hospitalised for 4-15 days in a level III NICU in Western Switzerland completed the NICU Parental Beliefs Scale and the short form of the NICU Family Needs Inventory. For each item of the NICU Family Needs Inventory, fathers also answered with regard to their satisfaction level. Additional needs were collected with an added open-ended question. Simple linear regressions were used to correlate beliefs, needs, and the sociodemographic data. RESULTS Seventy fathers were included. The average score for paternal beliefs was 68.44 (standard deviation = 10.29), indicating a good perception of their role. The majority (77%) considered all needs as very important or important, and 70% were very satisfied or satisfied. Fathers described communication as a very important, but unmet, need. Fathers' beliefs were higher in those who were not first-time fathers (71.88 ± 8.27 vs 66.06 ± 10.97, p = 0.028), who had a paternity leave (72.68 ± 10.19 vs 66.05 ± 9.68, p = 0.014), and who were of foreign nationality (71.86 ± 9.39 vs 63.85 ± 9.80, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS Fathers with a newborn hospitalised in the neonatal unit had good paternal beliefs. Most of the listed needs were perceived as very important and had a good level of satisfaction. Significant differences between Swiss fathers and fathers of foreign nationality were measured. Reasons of these differences should be explored in a forthcoming study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rio
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare (IUFRS), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Milena Donadeo Fadda
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare (IUFRS), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Lambert
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare (IUFRS), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Clinic of Neonatology, Department Woman-Mother-Child, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Sylvie Ramelet
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare (IUFRS), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department Woman-Mother-Child, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Gómez-Cantarino S, García-Valdivieso I, Moncunill-Martínez E, Yáñez-Araque B, Ugarte Gurrutxaga MI. Developing a Family-Centered Care Model in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): A New Vision to Manage Healthcare. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17197197. [PMID: 33019680 PMCID: PMC7579288 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17197197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Family-centered care (FCC) currently takes a greater role in health care, due to the increasing empowerment parents experience. Within neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), family participation has an impact on the humanized care of the preterm newborn (PN). This integrative review conducted according to Whittemore and Knafl investigated current knowledge of the FCC model and its application in PN care in specific units. The data were collected from PubMed, Cochrane, CINHAL, Scopus, and Google Scholar. A total of 45 articles were used, of which 13 were selected which met inclusion criteria. Their methodological quality was evaluated using the mixed method appraisal tool (MMAT), and after they were analyzed and grouped into four thematic blocks: (1) parental participation; (2) health parental training; (3) benefits of family empowerment; and (4) humanized care. The results revealed that FCCs promote the integration of health equipment and family. In addition, parents become the primary caregivers. The benefits of the family–PN binomial enable an earlier hospital discharge. Humanized care involves an ethical approach, improving health care. Changes are still needed by health managers to adapt health services to the needs of the family and PNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagrario Gómez-Cantarino
- Department of Nursing, Physical and Occupational Therapy University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45071 Campus Toledo, Spain; (S.G.-C.); (M.I.U.G.)
| | - Inmaculada García-Valdivieso
- Mostoles University Hospital (HMOS), Madrid Health Service (SERMAS), 28935 Mostoles, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-916-64-86-00-(8728)
| | - Eva Moncunill-Martínez
- Toledo Hospital Complex (CHT), Neonatal and Pediatric Oncology Unit, Castilla-La Mancha Health Service (SESCAM), Theoretical collaborator University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45071 Campus Toledo, Spain;
| | - Benito Yáñez-Araque
- Department of Physical Activity and Sports Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45071 Campus Toledo, Spain;
| | - M. Idoia Ugarte Gurrutxaga
- Department of Nursing, Physical and Occupational Therapy University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45071 Campus Toledo, Spain; (S.G.-C.); (M.I.U.G.)
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