Effects on an early discharge program on the concerns of parents of preterm infants

Authors

  • Manuel Fernández-Alcántara Centro de Investigación Mente, Cerebro y Comportamiento (Cimcyc). Departamento de Personalidad, Evaluación y Tratamiento Psicológico (Universidad de Granada) Spain
  • Francisco Cruz-Quintana Centro de Investigación Mente, Cerebro y Comportamiento (Cimcyc). Departamento de Personalidad, Evaluación y Tratamiento Psicológico (Universidad de Granada) Spain
  • Isabel Toral-López Servicio Andaluz de Salud (Granada) Spain
  • Pilar González-Carrión Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves (Granada) Spain
  • Antonio Rivas-Campos Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves (Granada) Spain
  • Nieves Pérez-Marfil Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves (Granada) Spain

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24310/espsiescpsi.v8i2.13236

Keywords:

Preterm Child, Early Discharge, Qualitative Study, Fathers, Mothers, Neonatal Care

Abstract

The birth of a premature infant has a striking emotional impact on the parents, especially when the hospitalization period is long. Early discharge programs are an effective tool to facilitate the transition to home and have beneficial effects. However, few studies have investigated the effects of these programs on parents during the post-discharge period and how are they related to changes in family dynamics. This article explored the experiences and obstacles faced by parents of preterm infants after discharge. The study followed a qualitative design using a descriptive phenomenological approach. Purposive sampling was used and a total of 23 parents participated. Data collection ended when theoretical saturation was reached. The parents were assessed using semistructured interviews. A thematic analysis was conducted, which identified three central themes: concerns of the parents, emotions after discharge, and changes in life. The results indicate the importance of the early discharge program, which is associated with many positive emotions in parents. Participation in the early discharge program was associated with increased confidence regarding caring and improved skills related to managing some of the complex emotions associated with discharge.

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Published

2015-09-01

How to Cite

Fernández-Alcántara, M., Cruz-Quintana, F., Toral-López, I., González-Carrión, P., Rivas-Campos, A., & Pérez-Marfil, N. (2015). Effects on an early discharge program on the concerns of parents of preterm infants. Escritos De Psicología - Psychological Writings, 8(2), 43–51. https://doi.org/10.24310/espsiescpsi.v8i2.13236

Issue

Section

Research Reports