Single-family rooms in neonatal intensive care: A qualitative analysis of fathers', mothers' and nurses' experiences

Joan Neergaard Larsen*, Helena Hansson, Sanne Allermann Beck, Vibeke Zoffmann

*Corresponding author af dette arbejde

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftTidsskriftartikelForskningpeer review

2 Citationer (Scopus)
27 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Purpose
The forced temporary relocation of part of a Danish neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) offered a unique opportunity to address the study aim of examining the real-time experiences of parents and nurses with SFRs.

Design
Two focus group interviews were conducted in June 2021: one with parents of newborns occupying SFRs (n = 6) and one with nurses (n = 5). Participants completed a self-reflection exercise as preparation for semi-structured interviews. Interview data were analyzed with thematic analysis.

Results
Four themes related to parents emerged from the data: 1) a place for joy and sorrow; 2) room for free speech and the father's expanded roles, 3) simulating home, and 4) self-paced connections to the world from a safe place. One theme related to nurses emerged: silence on the unit created tension. SFRs allowed parents to fully express their emotions, initiate family bonding, and decide when and how to connect with others outside their SFR. Fathers took a more active family role in the SFR setting. Nurses valued SFRs but struggled with assessing the unit as a whole while working in them.

Conclusions
SFRs support speaking openly, expanded roles for fathers, and bonding, potentially enhancing family well-being and self-determination. Nurses found SFRs both valuable and challenging.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftJournal of Neonatal Nursing
Vol/bind30
Udgave nummer6
Sider (fra-til)725-730
Antal sider6
ISSN1355-1841
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 2024

Bibliografisk note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 The Authors

Citationsformater