Parents and Scbu Babies
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Assessing service needs of parents experiencing post traumatic stress symptoms following the birth of a special care baby
IRAS ID
141475
Contact name
Katie Jorgensen
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Highland
Research summary
This study aims to explore the barriers that prevent parents whose babies have been hospitalised in a special care baby unit (SCBU) from using the psychology service offered and are now experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Symptoms. The Perinatal Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Scale will be used to screen for PTSD symptoms and to assess how parents have coped with having a baby hospitalised. An open ended questionnaire will be used to explore how the parent feels he/she is coping after discharge, what support may have been useful during their stay in SCBU, what impacted on their involvement with psychology services ans what might help presently. The data will assist in developing the right service for parents and ensure health care professionals meet parental care needs in the future. Trauma can impact on everyday coping and a parent’s ability to be emotionally available for their infants. If psychology services are tailored to meet parents and issues are identified earlier then the negative impact on the healthy development of the babies could be reduced.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
14/NS/0007
Date of REC Opinion
5 Feb 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion