Nurses’ perspectives on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on parental involvement in NICUs

Abstract

Introduction Nurses are key stakeholders in service provision to infants in neonatal intensive care units and are in the most optimal position to observe parental involvement. The COVID-19 pandemic led to various restrictions specifically impacting the neonatal unit. This study aimed to explore nurses’ perspectives on the impact of COVID-19 on parental involvement in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Method Thirty-five neonatal nurses from an academic hospital (n=12), private hospital (n=11) and tertiary hospital (n=12) were recruited. Information letters were distributed to potential participants. Those consenting to partake in the study were given a consent form and hard copy survey to complete. The survey, consisting of open- and closed-ended questions, took approximately 20-30 minutes to complete. Data were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively.

Results & Discussion Twenty-eight participants (80%) indicated that COVID-19 impacted parental involvement in the neonatal unit. None of the hospitals restricted parents completely from being in the unit, however, involvement was impacted by implemented visitation restrictions. Hospitals A (academic) and C (tertiary) had stricter visitation regulations (z=2.211; p=0.027) compared to Hospital B (private), therefore, parental involvement in Hospital C was higher (p<0.001). Two themes were identified from the nurses’ perspectives namely, ‘changes in visitation regulations’, and ‘reduced parental involvement’. Parental involvement requires physical parental presence. Restrictions in wards reduced this involvement, impacting the feeding strategies used. Conclusion Although reduced, parental presence in the three hospitals allowed breastfeeding to

continue, showing that the importance of parental involvement was recognised. Evidence- based guidelines that promote the maintenance of parental involvement in neonatal units

should be implemented countrywide.