The Needs of NICU Fathers in Their Own Words

Abstract

Background: Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses need a better understanding of fathers' needs and perceptions in order to provide more family holistic care. Previous research aimed at exploring fathers' experiences in the NICU resulted in identifying some needs; however, these studies mostly occurred outside the United States where practices may differ. Therefore, research is needed to explore NICU fathers' needs within the United States. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the needs of fathers who previously had a premature infant in the NICU. Methods: This qualitative descriptive study used semistructured interviews collected to obtain in-depth knowl-edge of fathers' needs in the NICU. Twenty-eight fathers were recruited through 3 parent support organizations: Hand to Hold, NICU Parent Support Network, and March of Dimes. Results: Results revealed 3 themes: need for support, clarity and to be recognized. Implications for Practice: Fathers have specific needs in the NICU that need to be addressed and that may differ from mothers. Awareness of addressing fathers' needs promotes more holistic care to fathers, supports coping within the NICU environment and the multifaceted impact of the experience, and helps them engage in the care of their infant. Implications for Research: Further research is needed to explore the needs of fathers from diverse backgrounds and those who perceive to be or are less involved in their infant's care as well as their experiences and needs related to the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Comparative research is also needed to identify differences between mothers' and fathers' needs in order to determine interventions that promoting more holistic, family-centered care.

Parents’ Perception of Staff Support in a Father-Friendly Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

“…This finding is in concordance with the findings of an integrated analysis of paternal needs in NICUs, which revealed that fathers often struggle to balance their responsibilities at home and work with the time spent in the NICU [ 23 ]. Most fathers desire to obtain information directly from medical staff and wish to attend medical rounds; however, this is not always possible, because fathers are also required to work and care for the other children at home [ 8 , 11 ]. A solution to this may be an increased use of technical aids (such as video-based patient rounds) to enhance the fathers’ participation in staff communication [ 11 ].…”

“…Most fathers desire to obtain information directly from medical staff and wish to attend medical rounds; however, this is not always possible, because fathers are also required to work and care for the other children at home [ 8 , 11 ]. A solution to this may be an increased use of technical aids (such as video-based patient rounds) to enhance the fathers’ participation in staff communication [ 11 ].…”

“…However, studies have found that the fathers’ needs are not always met in the NICU. This is attributed to the work culture in the NICU: staff primarily focus on the involvement and support of mothers, unintentionally leaving fathers feeling excluded and vulnerable [ 11 , 12 ]. Previous studies revealed that fathers appreciated being recognized as equal partners in their infant’s care, and wished for information directly from the staff as well as father-specific support.…”

“…Previous studies revealed that fathers appreciated being recognized as equal partners in their infant’s care, and wished for information directly from the staff as well as father-specific support. However, they also became confused when the nurses had different approaches to how and when they should involve fathers in childcare or if they perceived the information provided as conflicting [ 10 , 11 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. When fathers felt that they received satisfactory support, they experienced valuable father–infant bonding and increases in their confidence in the parental role, control, and engagement in childcare; these feelings were maintained even after discharge [ 16 , 17 ].…”

Developing and Implementing a Father-Friendly Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Improved Nurses' Self-Efficacy

“…2,[4][5][6] Fathers are often expected to take care of and protect both the infant and the mother, but they also need to be supported and encouraged to share their worries and stress. [7][8][9] Even though fathers indicate that nurses are a source of support during their infants' hospitalization, 10 their needs for information, support, and guidance are generally not met, 3,7,8,[10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] which can partly be attributed to the fact that mothers traditionally have been the focus of the nursing staff. 7,12,16 Likewise, studies 18,19 have found that nurses lack recognition of fathers' needs and that their experience of giving support to them is not satisfactory.The role of fathers in the NICU has been changing recently, with many fathers insisting on being present and active participants in childcare on an equal ABSTRACT Background: The need for paternal support is rarely addressed in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).…”