Perceptions of Parents With Preterm Infants Hospitalized in Singaporean Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Perceptions of parents with preterm infants who were hospitalized in a Singapore-based neonatal intensive care unit were observed. Convenience sampling method was used to recruit 8 parents of preterm infants. Semistructured face-to-face in-depth interviews were used to collect data between November 2013 and February 2014. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Four themes were identified: "negative emotions versus positive emotions," "finding ways forward," "nature of support received from various sources," and "need more informational and professional support." Parents of preterm infants experienced a multitude of emotions that varied from shock and sadness to excitement and anticipation through their babies' birth, hospitalization, and impending discharge. These parents adopted several strategies to cope with their birth and subsequent infant hospitalization. While their neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) experience was perceived as positive for most parents, some suggestions were made to improve on the information provided and professional care. This study provides evidence to health care professionals in addressing parents' negative emotions and coping abilities in practice. Emotional and informational support for parents is important for them to be more competent in coping with the hospitalization of their newborn in the NICU.

Support needs of parents in neonatal intensive care unit: An integrative review

“…Parents were appreciative of staff who perceived them as being human beyond the walls of the NICU and engaged with them to form a positive relationship (Abuidhail et al, 2017). Some parents shared their experiences as:

…Some of them were quite sweet and loving and encouraging, so it didn't make me feel so bad … (Yang et al, 2017, p. 268).I just felt she [healthcare worker] had a way with words and made me feel really safe (Mother) (Mundy, 2010, p. e76).

…”

“…(Father) (Noergaard et al, 2017, p. E19).And I did see quite a lot of parents around … it's quite comforting to know that you know we are all going through the same thing and it will be okay, so it was like that. (Mother) (Yang et al, 2017, p. 269).[W]hen I had her [another mother at the unit] I suddenly had someone who understood exactly how I felt /…/ you feel really alone when you give birth [to a premature baby]. Because the staff don't understand how I am /…/ even though they tell me, “we understand, we understand.” No, you don't at all, because you haven't done the same thing as me (Mother) (Bry & Wigert, 2019, p. 5).…”

Parents' Experiences of Support in NICU Single-Family Rooms

“…Previous evidence indicates that inconsistencies in information and care practices during transitional periods can result in distress and fear in NICU parents, who are often unprepared for the differences in care practices and in the organization of care (e.g., pod vs. FICA). [41][42][43] Taken together, these findings speak to the importance of clear communication between parents and nurses. Certain care practices such as interventions (i.e., suctioning, parainfluenza protocol) should be standardized and consistent across staff, while other practices such as infant bathing might be more flexible and subject to variation.…”

CE: Gestational Hypertension, Preeclampsia, and Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: A Clinical Review

“…(Kirkpatrick et al, 2017) Parents of infants born prematurely or with complications are likely to experience emotional shock, self-blame, sadness, and fear. (Yang et al, 2017) For such parents, being able to participate in the care of and to interact with their baby; focusing on positive aspects and improvements; receiving information about their child's health and specific needs, as well as available resources; and receiving emotional support from nurses and other health care professionals are all vital to helping them cope.…”