Supporting Fathers in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Scoping Review
William Hull1, Alejandra Rodriguez, Nathan Talarico
1Department of Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas (Dr Hull and Ms Rodriguez); and Department of Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama (Mr Talarico and Dr Bordelon).
Insights
Fathers are often overlooked in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This review highlights the need for inclusive practices and staff training to support paternal engagement, crucial for infant and family well-being.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Family-centered care
- Paternal psychology
Background:
- Paternal roles are significantly impacted by infant birth, especially in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
- Fathers in the NICU frequently experience isolation, stress, and exclusion.
- The trauma of having a critically ill infant exacerbates fathers' emotional challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the critical role of fathers in the NICU environment.
- To identify challenges faced by fathers in the NICU.
- To review strategies for supporting paternal involvement.
Main Methods:
- A scoping review was conducted.
- The Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) model was utilized.
- 18 articles providing guidance on NICU support for fathers were identified.
Main Results:
- Inclusive NICU environments require specific support for fathers.
- Staff and provider training is essential for a sustainable, inclusive NICU.
- Fathers' involvement is crucial for infant and family well-being.
Conclusions:
- Creating a welcoming NICU, training staff, and flexible policies enhance paternal engagement.
- Effective communication and support systems, like peer groups, are vital.
- Tailored support improves paternal involvement in neonatal intensive care.
Purpose:
This scoping review explores the critical yet often overlooked role of fathers in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) environment, particularly during the emotionally tumultuous period following the birth of a critically ill infant.
Background:
The birth of an infant significantly disrupts family dynamics and may impact the role of each parent. Fathers in the NICU are frequently overlooked, leading to feelings of isolation and stress. Fathers often face confusion, stress, and a sense of exclusion, which are compounded by the trauma of having a critically ill infant.
Discussion:
Using the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis model, the authors identified 18 articles that provide guidance on potential solutions to supporting an inclusive NICU environment for families, including fathers. The articles also consider the need for staff and provider training for a sustainable and inclusive NICU environment. Outcomes from the scoping review highlight the need for inclusive support for fathers, emphasizing that their involvement is crucial for the well-being of the infant and the family.
Implications For Practice:
Creating a welcoming NICU environment, training staff to address fathers' needs, and providing flexible policies can improve paternal engagement. Effective communication and support systems, including peer-led groups, are vital.
Precis Statement:
Inclusive practices, better communication, and tailored support for fathers in the NICU can enhance paternal involvement and engagement.
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