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Emotional distress in mothers of preterm hospitalized infants: a feasibility trial of nurse-delivered treatment

Journal of Perinatology volume 33, pages 924–928 (2013)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Objective:

Mothers of preterm infants in a hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are at risk for clinically significant depression and anxiety, but for these women their own treatment is likely a secondary priority. This study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of an evidence-based, nurse-delivered, on-site depression treatment: listening visits (LVs).

Study Design:

Therapeutic LVs were delivered on site to 23 distressed mothers of NICU infants. The intervention was conducted by a neonatal nurse practitioner and the outcome was examined in an open-trial, pre-post evaluation.

Result:

A part-time nurse practitioner delivered six LVs to each participant within a 1-month time frame. LVs were associated with significantly improved mood and well-being in mothers. The majority of eligible women took advantage of LVs and felt satisfied with their care.

Conclusion:

This open trial provides ‘proof-of-concept’, with results that warrant further evaluation in a multisite randomized controlled trial.

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Acknowledgements

Funding for this research was provided by the Social Science Funding Program, Vice President for Research Office of the University of Iowa. During the period of the conduct of this research, Lisa S. Segre, PhD, was supported by an NIMH K-23 Award grant MH075964. We acknowledge the assistance of NICU nursing staff (Jennifer Nieman (MSN, NNP-BC) and Jade Kalmes (MSN, NNP-BC)), social work staff (Ruth Truhlar (MSW), Tara Clark (MSW) and the NICU social work team), Stephan Arndt (PhD) for statistical consultation, James Marchman, PhD (Member of Data and safety Monitoring Board) Diana Colgan (PhD), the College of Nursing editor, and importantly, the mothers who participated in this research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Nursing, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA

    L S Segre & R Chuffo-Siewert

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA

    R L Brock & M W O'Hara

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  1. L S Segre
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  2. R Chuffo-Siewert
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  3. R L Brock
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  4. M W O'Hara
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Correspondence to L S Segre.

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Segre, L., Chuffo-Siewert, R., Brock, R. et al. Emotional distress in mothers of preterm hospitalized infants: a feasibility trial of nurse-delivered treatment. J Perinatol 33, 924–928 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2013.93

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