Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing
In ReviewParenting in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Section snippets
Methods
A systematic review of both qualitative and quantitative research was conducted to identify what is known about the needs of NICU parents and what behaviors support these parents. Both methods of research were included because of the potential for each to contribute to a more complete understanding of this topic. A systematic review was employed because it results in a scientific, reproducible, summary of original research findings with clearly stated inclusion and exclusion criteria. This
Results
After carefully reviewing the findings of each study, the author determined that 19 studies addressed parenting needs (see Table 1), 24 addressed supportive behaviors (see Table 2), and 17 addressed both (see Table 3). The studies were then organized according to research methodology. Of the 19 with a focus on parenting needs, 5 of the studies utilized quantitative methods and 14 were qualitative. Of the studies addressing parent support in the NICU, 19 were quantitative, 2 were mixed methods,
Discussion
The results of this literature review need to be considered when setting priorities for nursing care in the NICU and a compilation of recommendations is provided (see Table 5). Student nurses as well as experienced nurses must continue to be educated about the needs of parents in the NICU. If not already set in place, unit policies can be adopted that assure the parent's need to receive complete and accurate information about their infant is met. Effective collaboration between nurses,
Recommendations for Future Research
Although there has been significant research in the area of parenting in the NICU over the past 10 years, several study populations have been consistently excluded. Most of what is known on this topic has been studied with a primarily White, middle class, female, population (Broeder 2003, Browne and Talmi 2005, Bruns and McCollum 2002, Fenwick et al., 2001, Fenwick et al., 2001, Fenwick et al., 2002, Glazebrook et al., 2007, Heerman et al., 2005, Hurst 2001, Hurst 2001, Hurst 2006, Lupton and
Conclusion
While great strides have been made in research pertaining to parenting in the NICU, there is a need for continued study of this topic. Therefore, parental needs in the NICU as well as nursing behaviors to address these needs should remain a priority for nurse researchers. Nurses have a responsibility to provide evidence-based care that is effective and meets the needs of this vulnerable population of patients. The focus of nursing is “the alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and
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