Support needs of parents with preterm infants at resource-limited neonatal units in Limpopo province: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background

Preterm birth is often unexpected and life-threatening for the baby and/or the mother. When admitted to the hospital, midwives need to provide informational, instrumental, psycho-cultural and emotional support to enhance post-discharge care.

Objectives

This study aimed to explore and describe the support provided to parents of preterm infants in preparing for post-discharge care. The study was conducted in three district hospitals in the Mopani district, South Africa.

Method

A qualitative approach wherein explorative, descriptive and contextual designs were used. A non-probability, convenience sampling was used to select 23 midwives who were working in the maternity unit for at least 2 years. Data were collected through in-depth individual semi-structured interviews until data saturation was reached. The data were analysed through Tesch’s open coding method. Trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, transferability and confirmability. Ethical principles adhered to were: informed consent, beneficence, right to self-determination, confidentiality and anonymity.

Results

The findings revealed that parents need informational, instrumental direct supervision, and psycho-cultural and emotional support during preparation for discharge.

Conclusion

Parents were unsure of their ability to care for the preterm infants after discharge and manage their own needs. The provision of informational, instrumental, psycho-cultural and emotional support needs would play a vital role in their ability to cope with their parental roles and the relationship with their infant.

Contribution

The support provided to parents could build parental confidence and act as an integral part of neonatal follow-up programmes.