A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Parent-infant closeness and care practices during therapeutic hypothermia in Swedish neonatal intensive care units




AuthorsBäcke, Pyrola; Axelin, Anna; Ågren, Johan; Thernström Blomqvist, Ylva

PublisherElsevier

Publication year2024

JournalSexual & Reproductive Healthcare

Journal name in sourceSexual & Reproductive Healthcare

Article number101010

Volume41

ISSN1877-5756

eISSN1877-5764

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.srhc.2024.101010

Web address https://doi.org/10.1016/j.srhc.2024.101010

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/457270004

Additional informationCorrection to this article: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.srhc.2024.101041 ; DOI:10.1016/j.srhc.2024.101041


Abstract

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate care practices among Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) providing Therapeutic hypothermia (TH), and more specific to investigate staff’s experiences of parental participation, presence, and possibilities of being close with their infant during TH.

Methods

A descriptive, qualitative, and quantitative study. All Swedish NICUs providing TH (n = 10) participated. Data were collected during January–April 2021 via a questionnaire followed by a semi-structured interview with the registered nurse and the neonatologist responsible for TH at each unit. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and a qualitative content analysis was performed.

Results

All NICUs allowed parents unlimited stay with their infants and were keen to support parental presence, which was a prerequisite for promoting parent-infant closeness. Standardized routines regarding the infants’ care space and course of action were described as time-efficient and staff-saving, which freed up time to focus on the families.

Conclusion

Standardized routines regarding the care space setup and the medical and caring approach, as well as the NICU environment and practices around the families, can promote or curb the possibilities of parent-infant closeness. Well-established care practices and good environmental conditions with flexibility regarding the family’s needs are therefore required.


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Last updated on 2025-27-01 at 19:26