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Supporting parents as essential care partners in neonatal units during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Nicole R van Veenendaal1,2, Aniko Deierl3, Fabiana Bacchini4
1Department of Pediatrics/Neonatology, OLVG, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Insights
Hospital restrictions during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic negatively impacted family-integrated care for neonates. Restricting parental participation harmed breastfeeding, bonding, and mental health for families and staff.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care research
- Pandemic impact on healthcare
- Family-centered medicine
Background:
- Family-integrated care (FIC) is crucial for neonatal outcomes.
- The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic led to widespread restrictions in neonatal units.
- Evidence on the impact of these restrictions on FIC is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on maintaining family-integrated care during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
- To assess the effects of restricting parental participation in neonatal care.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases.
- Inclusion of empirical research (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods) on FIC during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
- Independent screening, quality appraisal, and data extraction by two authors.
Main Results:
- Seven studies involving 854 healthcare professionals, 442 parents, and 364 neonates were included.
- Pandemic restrictions significantly altered neonatal unit policies, limiting parental access and participation.
- Negative impacts observed in breastfeeding, parental bonding, caregiving participation, parental mental health, and staff stress.
Conclusions:
- SARS-CoV-2 pandemic restrictions adversely affected neonatal care delivery and outcomes for neonates, families, and staff.
- Restoring essential family-integrated care practices is recommended.
- The findings underscore the importance of family presence in neonatal care.
Aim:
To review the evidence on safety of maintaining family integrated care practices and the effects of restricting parental participation in neonatal care during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
Methods:
MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL databases were searched from inception to the 14th of October 2020. Records were included if they reported scientific, empirical research (qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods) on the effects of restricting or promoting family integrated care practices for parents of hospitalised neonates during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Two authors independently screened abstracts, appraised study quality and extracted study and outcome data.
Results:
We retrieved 803 publications and assessed 75 full-text articles. Seven studies were included, reporting data on 854 healthcare professionals, 442 parents, 364 neonates and 26 other family members, within 286 neonatal units globally. The pandemic response resulted in significant changes in neonatal unit policies and restricting parents' access and participation in neonatal care. Breastfeeding, parental bonding, participation in caregiving, parental mental health and staff stress were negatively impacted.
Conclusion:
This review highlights that SARS-CoV-2 pandemic-related hospital restrictions had adverse effects on care delivery and outcomes for neonates, families and staff. Recommendations for restoring essential family integrated care practices are discussed.
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