Perceived needs of parents of critically ill infants in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)

Abstract

Purpose: To identify the perceived needs of parents of infants in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Method: A convenience sample of 52 parents of NICU infants completed the NICU Family Needs Inventory that was modified from the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The differences between mother and father responses were analyzed by ANOVA.

Findings: The ten most important and least important need statements were identified. The participants reported assurance and information-related needs as the most important, while support needs were ranked as least important. An ANOVA revealed a significant difference between mother and father responses. Fathers ranked support, information, and assurance needs as significantly less important than mothers did.

Conclusions: The findings suggest the need to inform parents of the infants treatment plan and procedures, answer parents' questions honestly, actively listen to parents' fears and expectations, assist parents in understanding infant responses to hospitalization, and other effective nursing interventions to help meet the needs of parents of NICU infants.