Parental priorities in the home care of preterm and full term newborns

Abstract

BackgroundThe initial weeks after hospital discharge is a period of adaptation when parents assume great responsibility for the care of their child. Preterm birth may impact their demands of care. AimsTo compare parental priorities in the care of preterm and full-term newborns in the first two months after hospital discharge and to identify changes in priorities over time. MethodsParents of 22 full-term and 19 preterm infants were followed for two months after hospital discharge, with three timepoint evaluations of the parental priorities. They reported on infant care demands in a semi-structured interview. ResultsDespite prematurity, demands were similar between groups. Within-group changes occurred over time. Priorities related to bathing and caring for the navel showed significant reduction (p < 0.01); demands related to children's health care increased in the groups (p < 0.01). Feeding and sleep priorities were reduced in the full-term group (p < 0.02). Children's adaptation to routine increased significantly in the preterm group (p = 0.04). ConclusionKnowledge of parents' priorities in caring for preterm or full-term newborns at home helps health care teams develop appropriate support strategies and improve specialized assistance to the families.