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Technology in neonatal intensive care--a study on parents' experiences
Summary
Parents in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) found the high-tech environment frightening, impacting their role. Designing NICU equipment with parent experience in mind can reduce anxiety and improve care participation.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Nursing
- Pediatric Psychology
- Health Technology Assessment
Background:
- Holistic healthcare requires comprehensive health technology assessments.
- Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) present a technologically advanced environment.
- Parental involvement is crucial for infant well-being and development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore parents' experiences with nursing care in the NICU.
- To understand the impact of the technological environment on parental roles.
- To identify factors influencing parental anxiety and participation in infant care.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study design.
- Interviews with parents of seven full-term infants in a NICU.
- Thematic analysis of parental experiences.
Main Results:
- Parents perceived the NICU environment, with its equipment and signals, as shocking and frightening.
- The technological aspects of the NICU created an oppressive atmosphere, making parents feel like outsiders.
- This environment delayed parents' ability to engage in their child's care and fulfill their parental role.
Conclusions:
- Parental experiences in the NICU are significantly affected by the technological environment.
- Developing NICU equipment should consider parental anxiety and the desire to participate in care.
- Modifications to equipment design, including appearance and alarms, are recommended to improve the parental experience.