Benefits and Challenges of Implementing an Adaptation of Family Integrated Care in a Ugandan Setting

Family Integrated Care (FICare) integrates parents as partners in neonatal intensive care unit care. Our team adapted and implemented this approach in a Ugandan unit for hospitalized neonates.

This qualitative descriptive study examined the perceptions of mothers and healthcare professionals (HCPs) of the benefits and challenges of this new approach to care.

Fifty-one mothers of hospitalized neonates born weighing greater than 2000 g participated in the program. They were taught to assess neonate danger signs, feeding, and weight. After discharge, a subsample (n = 15) participated in focus groups to explore benefits and challenges of their participation in care. Interviews with 8 HCPs were also conducted for the same purpose. Transcripts from focus groups and interviews were analyzed using inductive content analysis to describe the benefits and challenges from the perspectives of mothers and HCPs.

For mothers a benefit was decreased stress. Both mothers and HCPs reported that the knowledge and skills mothers acquired were a benefit as was their ability to apply these to the care of their neonate. Improved relations between mothers and HCPs were described, characterized by greater exchange of information and HCPs' attentiveness to mothers' assessments. Mothers felt ready for discharge and used their knowledge at home. HCPs noted a decrease in their workload. Challenges included the need for mothers to overcome fears about performing the tasks, their own well-being and literacy skills, and access to equipment.

Mothers' participation in their neonates' care can have benefits for them and their neonate.