A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Parents' experiences of their preparedness to participate in infants’ painful procedures in neonatal care
Authors: Treiman-Kiveste, Airin; Pölkki, Tarja; Evert, Evelyn; Kalda, Ruth; Kangasniemi, Mari
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Publication year: 2026
Journal: Journal of Neonatal Nursing
Article number: 101797
Volume: 32
Issue: 3
ISSN: 1355-1841
eISSN: 1878-089X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnn.2026.101797
Publication's open availability at the time of reporting: No Open Access
Publication channel's open availability : Partially Open Access publication channel
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnn.2026.101797
Background
Modern healthcare emphasises family-centred care, involving parents as collaborative partners. The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of parents' preparedness to participate in painful procedures in their infants’ neonatal care.
Methods
A qualitative study was conducted in two Estonian hospitals. Semi-structured interviews were held with 12 parents. Data were analysed using inductive content analysis.
Results
Parents' preparedness for painful procedures was connected to family-related factors and nursing support. The family-related factors included worry about the infant's poor health status, maternal tiredness, changes in the family situation and active seeking of knowledge. Nurses could support parents by using understandable terminology, adopting an inclusive attitude, providing opportunities to practice participating and helping them apply and verify relevant information.
Conclusions
Successful parental preparedness requires systematic consideration of unique family situations and supportive nursing strategies. Collaboration between families and nurses facilitates parental participation.
Funding information in the publication:
No grant was used for this study.
