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A qualitative analysis of parents' experiences while their neonates with congenital heart disease require intensive
Francesca Catapano1, Rochelle Steinwurtzel2, Elvira Parravicini2
1Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
Insights
Parents of infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) in the NICU face varied experiences. Identifying these challenges and supportive strategies is key for positive coping and adaptation during neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stays.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal intensive care
- Pediatric cardiology
- Parental mental health
Background:
- Congenital heart diseases (CHD) are a significant cause of neonatal morbidity.
- Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) provide critical care for infants with complex conditions, including CHD.
- Parental experiences during neonatal hospitalization are often challenging and impactful.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the lived experiences of parents whose neonates were admitted to the NICU due to CHD.
- To identify specific challenges encountered by these parents.
- To discover effective support strategies that promote positive coping.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study design.
- Data collected via questionnaires with open-ended questions from parents within one week of infant discharge.
- Krippendorff's content analysis applied to qualitative data.
Main Results:
- Sixty-four parents participated in the study.
- Three overarching themes emerged: Dialectical, Suboptimal, and Positive Parental Experiences.
- Analysis provided insights into parental emotional states and coping mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Understanding parental experiences in the NICU is vital for developing targeted support.
- Identifying parental challenges facilitates the implementation of effective coping strategies.
- Promoting positive coping mechanisms enhances parental adaptation during neonatal critical care.
Objective:
To better understand the experience of parents with neonates with congenital heart diseases (CHD) admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in order to identify challenges faced by parents and discover support strategies helpful in positive coping.
Study Design:
Prospective cohort study of parents of neonates with CHD. Parents completed a questionnaire with open ended questions regarding their experience and feeling during the hospitalization within one week of the child discharge from the NICU. Krippendorff's content analysis was used to examine data.
Results:
Sixty-four parents participated. Three themes were highlighted - Dialectical parental experiences, Suboptimal Parental Experiences and Positive Parental Experiences - describing the state of being and feelings that these parents face. Through this analysis, we were able to develop clinical considerations and identify coping strategies.
Conclusion:
The understanding of parental experience and challenges when dealing with their child admitted in the NICU is crucial to identify coping strategies to promote adaptation and enhance the development of positive coping mechanisms.
