Petersson MÅ, Benzein E, Massoudi P, Wåhlin I, Persson C. Parents' experiences of the significance of interpersonal interactions for becoming parents and a family during neonatal intensive care.
J Pediatr Nurs 2022;
69:e1-e6. [PMID:
36481222 DOI:
10.1016/j.pedn.2022.11.021]
[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: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE
To describe parents' experiences of the significance of interpersonal interactions for becoming parents and a family during neonatal intensive care.
DESIGN AND METHODS
We employed a qualitative descriptive design with semi-structured family interviews. Ten families were included from four neonatal intensive care units (NICU) in Sweden. Results were evaluated using thematic analysis.
RESULTS
The results were presented as two themes: 1) Interactions within the family, and 2) Interactions between parents and staff. Analyses revealed that interpersonal interactions could both facilitate and hinder development in becoming a parent and a family.
CONCLUSION
Interactions within the family and with the staff have an important function in the process of becoming a parent and a family. This process would benefit from a systemic approach, focusing on the family as a unit, as unique individuals, and as parents with unique needs and experiences.
PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS
Our findings can facilitate changes to reduce the separation between family members (mother-father-newborn-siblings) during their stay in NICU; guiding parents to take care of their child, while being sensitive and balancing their situation as to where they are in their process; supporting the family through joint conversations by listening to the parents and their expectations and experiences both in the NICU and at home; and encouraging parents to do everyday things together outside NICU like an ordinary family.
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