Parents' views of their own needs during their newborns' stay on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Abstract

This study sought to explore the parents' views of their own needs during their newborns' stay on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). A descriptive, small scale explorative design, incorporating a mixture of qualitative and quantitative approaches was adopted. The study involved a convenience sample of thirteen participants (5 couples and 3 mothers). A semi-structured interview schedule was used to explore parents' views of their own needs at the NICU. The few close-ended questions were presented in graphs and the content analysis of the data obtained from open-ended questions was transcribed. The resulting main themes were sorted into categories. Finally, the data analyser drew theoretical conclusions about the content in its context. Findings revealed that the majority of the parents had a traumatic experience. This affected them mostly due to the fact that it was their first experience having their baby transferred immediately after birth to the NICU and for the majority of the parents, it was also their first baby. The findings imply that parents considered being continuously informed as the most important need. Something interesting that the researcher noted was that few (n=3) mentioned that the doctors gave them information. Probably the others forgot to mention it or did not have a good relationship with doctors. In addition, a few parents lacked awareness about support groups that are related to the NICU in Malta. Therefore, finding highlighted the need for more awareness about support groups since these could help parents cope better with the baby's condition and with their lives. Moreover, the :findings indicated that the services of a psychologist/counsellor would be beneficial for parents. However, there were some parents who stated that it could be beneficial especially at the beginning because they found it hard to accept the situation. In conclusion, and in the light of the findings drawn up, one recommends the provisions