Using parent metaphors for learning about the neonatal care experience: An interpretive perspective.

Area of Science:

• Medical Sociology
• Qualitative Health Research
• Parental Experience in Neonatal Care

Background:

• Metaphors are crucial for communicating complex health experiences.
• Limited research explores parental metaphors in neonatal intensive care.
• Understanding these metaphors can inform healthcare professional education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and analyze metaphors used by parents of premature infants.
• To explore how these metaphors contribute to empathic learning for health professionals.

Main Methods:

• Narrative inquiry with an interpretive, constructivist paradigm.
• Analysis of 20 narrative interviews with 23 parents.
• Metaphor identification process.

Main Results:

• Identified common metaphor clusters: journeying, altered reality, darkness, breaking, connections, fighting, salvation, and being on the edge.
• Parents utilize compelling, emotive metaphors to express challenges and progress.
• Metaphors reveal deep emotional experiences during neonatal care.

Conclusions:

• Parental metaphors offer profound insights into the neonatal care journey.
• Healthcare professionals can leverage these metaphors to foster greater empathy.
• This understanding can enhance training and support for families in neonatal units.