Psychosocial support provision for parents: An audit of UK neonatal units

Abstract

Having a preterm birth and/or sick infant that requires neonatal care is an emotionally traumatizing event for parents. This is due to issues such as parent-infant separation, concerns for infant viability and the technological nature of the neonatal unit. It is argued that neonatal units should provide a varied and sustainable program of psychosocial support for parents both during the infant’s stay and after discharge. However, currently there is a paucity of knowledge about what types and range of support is provided within neonatal care. In this paper we report on an audit of facilities, services, and support that could address parents’ psychosocial support needs in UK neonatal units.