Non-Narrative Diaries as Data Collection Tool in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Scoping Review

An infant's admission into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) disrupts the normal transition to parenthood due to the separation. Non-narrative diaries are structured tools that record predefined information and activities. Their use could facilitate parent-infant closeness, while also serving as a data collection tool for clinical research.

To explore the use of non-narrative diaries in NICU in terms of definitions, formats, recorded variables and the identity of the diarist.

A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. The search strategy was conducted consulting PubMed, Embase, Scopus, PsycInfo, CINAHL and Grey Literature up to March 2025. Studies reporting on the use of non-narrative diaries in the NICU were included. Descriptive and thematic analyses were performed.

Of the initial 538 initial records, 18 were included. Most studies had an observational design (88%); one included a validation process of a diary. Parents (50%) were the most common diarists, in particular mothers (33%). Parental presence (72.2%) was the most documented variable in the diary, followed by skin-to-skin contact (66.6%) and holding (33.3%). Only seven studies used a validated tool called 'the parent-infant closeness diary'. Non-narrative diaries were adaptable for collecting diverse quantitative and semi-structured data, including behavioural, emotional, organisational, well-being and breastfeeding outcomes.

Non-narrative diaries show promise as versatile, user-friendly tools both for research and family-centred care in NICU settings. Future studies should aim for greater methodological rigor and broader stakeholder involvement.

Non-narrative diaries offer a practical and low-cost method for documenting parent-infant interactions in the NICU.