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Effect of early sibling visitation in an intensive care nursery
1Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710.
Insights
Early sibling visits to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) did not increase negative behaviors. Siblings who visited early were more informed and showed a decrease in negative behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Neonatal Care
- Family Studies
Background:
- Hospitalization of a neonate in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can impact siblings.
- Understanding the effects of early sibling interaction is crucial for family well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of early sibling visitation in the NICU on sibling adjustment.
- To evaluate behavioral changes and information levels in siblings with early vs. delayed visitation.
Main Methods:
- 31 siblings (ages 3-12) were randomly assigned to an early visit group or a comparison group.
- Parents completed the Missouri Behavioral Checklist (MBCL) and Family Environment Scale (FES).
- Siblings were interviewed, and behavioral data were collected at two time points.
Main Results:
- No increase in negative behaviors was observed in either group; both showed some decrease.
- The early visitor group demonstrated a significant reduction in specific negative behaviors (MBCL).
- Siblings in the early visitor group were significantly better informed about their hospitalized sibling.
Conclusions:
- Early sibling visitation in the NICU appears safe and potentially beneficial for sibling adjustment.
- Facilitating early contact may reduce sibling distress and enhance their understanding of the NICU experience.
- Findings support incorporating early sibling visitation policies in neonatal intensive care units.
Abstract:
In an attempt to assess the effects of early sibling visitation in a neonatal intensive care unit, 31 siblings (ages 3-12) of the hospitalized infant were randomly assigned to either a visit group (during first week of neonatal life) or a comparison group who visited only after the study was completed 3 weeks after birth of the neonate. Parents of both groups of siblings completed the Missouri Behavioral Checklist (MBCL) and Family Environment Scale (FES) in the first few days after birth and, again, 3 weeks after birth. All siblings were interviewed 3 weeks after birth of the neonate. Neither group experienced any increase in negative behaviors following the new sibling's birth. In fact, both groups showed some decrease in negative behaviors. In addition, the visitor group showed a significant decrease in negative behaviors on a specific subset of MBCL items. In addition, the visitor group was significantly more well informed about their sibling than the comparison group.