The long-term effect on nurses’ self-efficacy of father support by implementing a father-friendly neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract

The role of fathers in childcare is changing; therefore, nurses' care must change to more family-centered care. This follow-up study investigated the long-term effects of implementing a father-friendly neonatal intensive care unit on nurses’ self-efficacy in guiding and supporting fathers.Forty-one nurses (98%) responded to the follow-up questionnaire 5 years after the implementation of the father-friendly neonatal intensive care unit, of which 22 completed the questionnaire (post-implementation). From the post-to follow-up questionnaire, a significant decrease was found for the mother's questions (8.71 vs. 9.16, p = 0.05) and a non-significant decrease for the father's questions (8.52 vs. 9.02, p = 0.07). ConclusionAfter the initial implementation of improvements in clinical practice, it is important to have an organizational strategy to maintain and continue developing nurses’ skills and culture in guiding and involving the entire family to ensure requested patient care.