Psychosocial needs of parents of infants admitted to neonatal care: A qualitative study

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the psychosocial needs of parents whose infants required neonatal care and to identify strategies to optimise parental psychosocial wellbeing. An exploratory qualitative study, comprising semi-structured interviews was undertaken with nineteen parents (mothers=16, fathers=3). The data were analysed thematically, and three themes and associated subthemes highlight interlinking issues in terms of parents’ needs for stability during a time of uncertainty; their needs for connection with staff, other parents, and their infant; and a need for flexibility in the type, and timing of support. Social connectedness theory offers a lens for how psychosocial support can be provided during neonatal care. This requires opportunities for parents to socialise and receive information, instrumental and/or emotional forms of social support via staff and peers, and to create a sense of belonging and value as parents.