EXPAND V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring Parental emotional support needs After Nicu Discharge (EXPAND)
IRAS ID
313926
Contact name
Claire Wilson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 30 days
Research summary
Background: In the UK, approximately one in seven babies born are admitted to a neonatal unit. This admission can pose a significant amount of stress on parents and it is well documented that parents of babies admitted to neonatal intensive care are at a greater risk of developing symptoms of psychological distress, including anxiety, depression and posttraumatic-stress, compared to parents of full-term, healthy babies.
The point of discharge from neonatal care is often conceptualised as the end of a family’s neonatal journey. Discharge can however be an overwhelming and anxious time for parents, as they independently care for their infant for the first time, without the reassurance of medical staff or monitoring equipment. Parents may also begin to reflect on long-term outcomes for their infant and what their ongoing medical needs mean for the family. Community support is often not tailored to the specific needs of NICU infants and families find themselves falling between different services. Despite these challenges, little is known about how parents experience the time after discharge.
Method: The current study will recruit a volunteer sample of parents with a baby recently admitted to neonatal intensive care. Parents will be recruited around the time of discharge via a study poster displayed across neonatal charities social media platforms and UK neonatal units. Quantitative data relating to parental psychological distress, daily function, service use and parent-infant bond will be collected across three time-points post-discharge. Qualitative data gathered in an interview at the final time-point will further investigate parents’ subjective experience of psychological distress and support needs.
Discussion: The data gathered will explore the trajectory of parental psychological distress over time, including factors associated with risk and resilience. This will include an understanding of the acceptability of existing hospital and community-based support services, and how to improve parents' experience of support.
REC name
London - Dulwich Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/LO/0306
Date of REC Opinion
15 May 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion