The Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Parental Stress Model: Refinement Using Directed Content Analysis

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nursing
• Cardiology
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Infants with complex congenital heart disease (CCHD) require intensive care.
• Parental stress is a significant concern for families in pediatric cardiac intensive care units (PCICUs).
• Existing models may not fully capture the unique stressors faced by these parents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and clarify specific sources of parental stress for mothers of infants with CCHD in the PCICU.
• To refine the PCICU Parental Stress Model based on mothers' experiences.
• To provide a framework for improving care, education, and research.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive, qualitative study design.
• Directed content analysis of focus group data.
• Three focus groups conducted with 14 mothers of infants in a PCICU.

Main Results:

• Identified specific themes of parental stress experienced by mothers.
• Provided data to support and refine the PCICU Parental Stress Model.
• Highlighted the unique challenges within the PCICU setting for mothers of infants with CCHD.

Conclusions:

• The refined PCICU Parental Stress Model offers a valuable framework for understanding and addressing parental stress.
• Findings can inform clinical practice, educational interventions, and future research directions.
• Targeted support is crucial for mothers of infants with CCHD in the PCICU.