The Experiences of Mothers and Nurses in Care-by-Parent Interventions in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a Regional Hospital in Gauteng

Abstract

Due to the age and vulnerability of neonates, family involvement in their care is strongly encouraged. Family-centred care (FCC) is a widely endorsed model in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) as it reduces parental stress associated with neonatal admission and separation. However, in resource-limited settings, optimal FCC is often compromised due to financial, physical, and human resource constraints. Furthermore, when poorly implemented, FCC may have unintended negative consequences for both mothers and nurses. This study explores the experiences of mothers and nurses in care-by-parent interventions at a regional NICU in Gauteng, South Africa. A qualitative descriptive design was employed, with data collected in two phases. In Phase One, purposive sampling was used to recruit thirty-three (n=33) mothers of admitted neonates, and data were gathered through focus group discussions. In Phase Two, total sampling was used to select seventeen (n=17) professional nurses, who participated in individual semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using Creswell’s Method of Data Analysis, with strict adherence to ethical principles and measures to ensure trustworthiness. Findings revealed significant barriers to effective FCC implementation in resource constrained NICUs, leading to suboptimal adherence and adverse effects on both maternal and professional nurse wellbeing. Additionally, these challenges may extend to impact paternal involvement and neonatal outcomes. Based on these findings, the study provides recommendations for nursing education, policy development, and further research to enhance FCC implementation in regional NICUs.