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Grappling with uncertainty - Experiences of parents of infants following perinatal stroke
Umme Khan1, Rose Watson2, Janice Elizabeth Pearse3
1School of Psychology, Newcastle University, UK.
Insights
Parental experiences with perinatal stroke reveal significant distress due to uncertainty and lack of information. Improved support strategies are needed for families navigating this challenging diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Pediatric Neurology
Background:
- Perinatal stroke involves focal brain damage from cerebrovascular disease around birth.
- It presents unique etiologies, clinical features, and progression compared to adult stroke.
- Understanding early parental experiences is crucial for family-centered care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore early parental experiences of having a child diagnosed with perinatal stroke.
- To investigate the impact on parental psychological wellbeing.
- To identify areas for improving support services for affected families.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative research design utilizing in-depth interviews.
- Study included 16 parents of 11 infants with perinatal stroke (5-6 months corrected age).
- Thematic analysis was employed for data interpretation.
Main Results:
- Parents reported distress stemming from insufficient information on likely outcomes.
- Confusion surrounding the term 'stroke' and feelings of guilt/self-blame were common.
- Information seeking was a coping strategy for some, but overwhelming for others.
Conclusions:
- Perinatal stroke diagnosis significantly impacts parental psychological wellbeing.
- Uncertainty following diagnosis creates substantial emotional challenges.
- Timely, paced information delivery and psychological support are recommended interventions.
Background:
The term perinatal stroke describes focal damage to the developing brain due to cerebrovascular disease and occurring either before or shortly after birth. Aetiology, presentation and evolution differ from stroke in adults.
Aims:
We aimed to explore early parental experiences related to having a child with perinatal stroke, including how parental psychological wellbeing had been impacted, to consider how support for families could be improved.
Methods And Procedures:
We undertook a qualitative research study, using in-depth interviews of parents of infants with perinatal stroke when the infants were 5-6 months corrected gestational age. Sixteen parents (11 female, 5 male) of 11 infants with perinatal stroke took part. Thematic analysis was used in data interpretation.
Outcomes And Results:
Parents described distress related to the lack of information regarding likely outcome following perinatal stroke, as well as confusion around the term 'stroke'. Guilt and self-blame were expressed, with increased emotional sensitivity. Seeking information about stroke to reduce uncertainty was a useful strategy for some, but overwhelming for others.
Conclusions And Implications:
The diagnosis of perinatal stroke led to psychological distress in parents. Uncertainty following diagnosis produced significant emotional difficulties. Recommendations for practice include providing timely, paced information and psychological support.
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