Evaluation of a new tool – “Step by step with my baby” – to support parental involvement in the care of preterm infants - 02/07/24
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Abstract |
Background and aims |
Parental guidance is essential for supporting parental involvement, maintaining the quality and safety of infant care, and limiting parental stress. The efficiency of a new tool to support parental empowerment – “Step by step with my baby” – was evaluated. The perception of this tool by parents and nurses was studied.
Methods |
This was a prospective, observational study conducted from September 2019 to December 2020 at a level-3 neonatal center. A total of 79 newborns (<33 weeks of gestational age or small for gestational age), 84 parents, and 94 nurses were included. The new tool that was evaluated is in the form of a drawing of flowers to be colored according to the parents' ability to care for their newborn. Six domains were explored and given a score (total of 35 points) according to the parents' ability to care for each item: behavior, skin-to-skin contact, carrying, oral and tube feeding, and routine care. The use and relevance of this tool were evaluated by parents and caregivers.
Results |
At a mean of 19 days of life, parents required caregiver support regardless of the skill domain (6/35). After 26 days, the mean score increased to 19.4 (p < 0.05). Parents felt autonomous in changing diapers and monitoring temperature but always required help for skin-to-skin contact, carrying, and feeding with or without a tube. The progression was not affected by the presence of siblings, the distance from home, and staying in the parental hospital room. For 67 % of the parents, the tool gave them a better understanding of their newborn and helped them be more confident (69 %) without feeling judged (81 %). These feelings were upheld by nurses.
Conclusions |
This tool was efficient for evaluating parents’ autonomy and helped them take ownership of the care provided.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Highlights |
• | Parental involvement as primary caregivers of their infants is beneficial. |
• | There is a need for validated parental support tools to strengthen parents’ safe participation. |
• | This tool highlighted parental empowerment and showed improvement in all skill domains. |
• | It allowed parents to take ownership of their infant's care without feeling judged. |
• | The tool was also approved by nurses. |
Keywords : Family-centered care, NICU, Parents, Preterm infant
Plan
Vol 31 - N° 5
P. 306-314 - juillet 2024 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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