BackgroundThe aim of this study was to explore and describe the coping experiences of parents to children admitted to a neonatal unit.MethodsA qualitative research approach was chosen, using in-depth interviews with eight fathers and eight mothers.ResultsThe main findings were that parents with previous complicated births had more difficulties in coping compared to those parents with no experience with complications. Coping seemed easier where parents’ opinions were heard regarding their baby’s care and when both parents were present in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The main similarities between mothers and fathers were the reluctance to speak their opinions on childcare, and both experienced a sense of alienation and problems in bonding with the baby. They also needed a limitation on the number of visitors in the NICU. Differences between mothers and fathers were that fathers tried hard to be the strong partner in the relationship, and were more concerned with the mother if she was seriously ill postpartum, while mothers were more concerned for their baby. Mothers’ postpartum period was felt as more stressful if the father was not present, but mothers were also better at welcoming support from the health personnel.ConclusionThis study highlights the parent’s coping experiences in NICUs. Coping seemed easier where parents’ opinions were heard. Nurses in the NICU should take the former experiences of the parents into consideration when nursing in the NICU and planning for discharge.

BackgroundPatients and users experiences are useful for monitoring the quality of the hospital provisions and to improve health care delivery. Research results on associations between parental satisfaction and their socio-demographic status are inconclusive. We have also found a scarcity of research on the associations between parental satisfaction and standards of neonatal intensive care (NICU) services. We used the Neonatal Satisfaction Survey (NSS-8) to collect data to explore associations between parental satisfaction and socio-demographic variables and, associations between parents’ satisfaction and NICU care-services.MethodsA total of 568 parents from six different NICUs geographically dispersed in Norway completed the (NSS-8). All responses were rated and analysed using nonparametric analyses and logistic regression.ResultsSupport from families and friends is the most important sociodemographic area which links to reported levels of parental satisfaction. The most important areas for parents’ satisfaction with NICU care services include the decision making processes regarding the infant, respect and empathy from staff, and the continuity of treatment and care. Parents were least satisfied with how NICUs facilitate ongoing care for siblings, parents and infants during later stages of their hospital stay. Parents reported being in need of more guidance and training in meeting their child’s needs.ConclusionTo increase and sustain parents’ satisfaction with NICU care considerations should be given to separate elements of the total provision made for affected families. This study suggests that health personnel could address the needs of all family members as these evolve through phases of their stays in hospitals; be more attentive to parents with very preterm infants and parents with long NICU admissions; provide support to siblings; and give more attention to parents’ needs for continuity of care, follow-up, and information.

The objective of the study was to investigate the experiences of humiliations by patients in the admission process to acute psychiatric wards. One-hundred-and-two patients were interviewed within 48 h after hospitalization about their experiences of the admission process. The structured Admission Experience Survey questionnaire was used to identify negative events of the admission process. Perceived humiliation was defined by a cut-off on the self-reported Cantrill's Ladder Scale. Six qualitative depth interviews of patients with high and low humiliation scores were performed in order to relate interview information on humiliation experiences to the self-report. Negative events during the admission process were significantly more common among patients with involuntary admission, but were also observed among those voluntary admitted. Humiliation in connection with negative events during the admission process was reported by 48 patients, 24 involuntary and 24 voluntary admitted. In univariate analyses, humiliation was significantly associated with events where the patients were exposed to verbal or physical force, as well as with the conviction that "the admission was not right". In multivariate analyses, the latter conviction was the only significant one, although "use of physical force" also showed a trend (P=0.06). Negative events are common among the routines, procedures, and situations of the admission process to acute psychiatric wards. Some of them can hopefully be modified such as the use of verbal and physical force. In contrast, the conviction that "the admission was not right", which showed the strongest association with humiliation, seems less modifiable in the admission process.

Rationale, aims, and objectives Patients with mental health problems experience numerous transitions into and out of hospital. This study explores former patients' views of pathways in transition between district psychiatric hospital centres (DPCs) and community mental health services. Method A descriptive qualitative design was chosen. Three focus group interviews with a total of 10 informants from five different communities were conducted. Interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically where themes describe promoting or inhibitory factors to the transition phase. Results The informants shared their experiences on issues promoting and preventing successful care pathways in mental health. Four main paired themes were identified: (a) patient participation/activation/empowerment versus paternalism and institutionalization, (b) patient‐centred care versus care interpreted as humiliation, (c) interprofessional collaboration or teamwork versus unsafe patient pathways in mental health services, and (d) sustainable integrated care versus fragmented, noncollaborative care. Conclusions Shared decision making was reported more precisely as informed shared decision making. Shared information between all parties involved in care pathways is key.

Rationale, aims, and objectivesPatients with mental health problems experience numerous transitions into and out of hospital. Primary care providers have mixed success in identifying and managing patients' needs. This study explores health personnel's experience of care pathways in patient transition between inpatient and community mental health services.MethodsA descriptive qualitative design was chosen. Four focus group interviews with 12 informants from 7 different communities were conducted. Interviews were analyzed thematically.ResultsTwo main themes were identified: integrated care and patient activation. The participants shared their experiences on topics that can affect smooth care pathways in mental health. Six promoting factors were identified for successful patient transition: opportunities for information sharing, implementation of systematic plans, use of e‐messages, around‐the‐clock care, designating one responsible health person in each system for each patient, and the involvement of patients and their families. The following barriers were all found to impede the patients' transition between levels of care: the lack of a single responsible person at each health care level, insufficient meetings, the absence of systematic plans, difficulties in identifying the right staff at different levels, delays in information sharing, and the complexity of welfare systems negatively affecting patient dignity.ConclusionsSystems and procedures should be developed to ensure clear responsibilities and transparency at each stage of the pathways of care. A single person should take charge of ensuring sufficient connection and communication between inpatient and community mental health services. Finally, both patient and staff in community services should be linked through a direct telephone number with around‐the‐clock availability.