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

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijans.2024.100699
• Publication Date: 2024-03-30T16:43:56Z
• Authors: Sthembiso Ncube; Jeannie van der L...; Maria du Toit; Marien Alet Graham; Renata Eccles
• Keywords: Pandemic; 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak

Nurses are key healthcare professionals in service provision to infants and their families neonatal intensive care units pivotal observing parental involvement infant's care. The COVID-19 pandemic led various restrictions which impacted these specifically. To investigate nurses' perspectives regarding the impact of on infants' whilst units. A quantitative cross-sectional online survey was used collect perspectives. Thirty-five nurses working this unit three hospitals were recruited through purposive sampling participate: one public academic hospital (n = 12) [Hospital A], private 11) B] tertiary C]. Data analysed using descriptive inferential statistics content analysis. total 80 % 28) indicated during years 2020 2021. None restricted parents completely from being unit, however, by implemented visitation restrictions. Two themes identified namely, "changes regulations", "reduced involvement". Parental requires physical presence, wards reduced involvement. Although reduced, presence allowed breastfeeding continue, showing importance recognised. Evidence-based guidelines that promote family-centred need be worldwide benefit admitted families, despite