The Experience of fathers on a Neonatal Unit.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
What are the experiences of father’s surrounding the birth and admission to the neonatal unit of their preterm infant?
IRAS ID
90033
Contact name
Chris Inman
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Birmingham City University
Research summary
In England approximately seven per cent of babies are born prematurely each year (National Statistics 2007) with the majority requiring admission to the neonatal unit. Fathers are often the first parent to attend the infant and are unlikely to be accompanied, lacking immediate support (Poppy 2009). Though preterm birth and subsequent admission of the infant to the neonatal unit is a stressful time for both parents, a striking contrast in experiences between genders has been suggested (Fegran, Helseth and Fagermoen 2008).
Fathers experience a sense of loss of control with preterm birth (Fegran, Helseth and Fagermoen 2008) with the need to balance work and family life making them feel torn, increasing stress and worry (Thomas Feeley and Grier 2009). This sense of inadequacy may be compounded by their inability to care for their infant in comparison to nursing staff (Arockiasamy Holsti and Albersheim 2008) which in turn can be exacerbated by nursing and medical staff ‘favouring’ mothers (Hollywood and Hollywood 2010).
Whilst numerous studies have been performed to examine the mother’s experiences of premature birth and the subsequent admission, few explore the father’s. The researcher, having worked within neonatal care for nine years, believes it is necessary to understand the fathers experiences, emotions and expectations. This will allow for effective delivery of family-centred care (Casey 1988) in partnership with fathers, minimising stress. This qualitative research study proposed is aimed at helping to understand these experiences, by asking questions about the changes and consistencies in their lives at this time, to uncover possibly over−looked aspects and offer fresh perspectives . Data analysis will identify evidence−based themes of what is meaningful to father’s experiencing preterm birth. Through dissemination of these findings, awareness and sensitivity can be raised amongst practitioners delivering family-centred neonatal services for the provision of comprehensive holistic care.
REC name
West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/WM/0432
Date of REC Opinion
7 Nov 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion