Parental Involvement in Decision-Making About Planned Late Preterm and Early Term Birth (The "PIP" Study): Part 1-A...

Late preterm and early term birth are associated with increased risks of adverse health outcomes throughout life. Where such births have been decided upon in advance, many parents are dissatisfied with the input they are able to have in the decision-making process. This paper reports a qualitative investigation exploring the input parents want and expect in decision-making about possible planned LPET birth; how their experiences compare with these; and how they feel about the input they are able to have.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of babies up to 6 months old, who had been involved in discussions with doctors about the possibility of planned late preterm or early term birth. Data were analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis.

Twelve parents of nine singleton babies took part. Analysis generated three themes: (1) What matters most to us in this decision? (2) We are in a new and strange place, and (3) Can we work together to reach a decision? Each theme encompassed two or more sub-themes.

Parents want to feel able to voice their questions and concerns; to understand why early birth is being considered, their options and the reason behind specific recommendations; and to work with healthcare professionals to reach a plan that is agreed by all as best for the baby, inclusive of other issues they consider important, and carried out as planned. Suggestions are made for what parents need if these wishes and expectations are to be met.