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The relationship between maternal needs and priorities in a neonatal intensive care environment
Author(s) -
Bialoskurski M.M.,
Cox C.L.,
Wiggins R.D.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
journal of advanced nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.948
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1365-2648
pISSN - 0309-2402
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2648.2002.02057.x
Subject(s) - needs assessment , ranking (information retrieval) , nursing , scale (ratio) , neonatal intensive care unit , information needs , special needs , psychology , medicine , pediatrics , psychiatry , computer science , geography , social science , cartography , machine learning , sociology , world wide web
The relationship between maternal needs and priorities in a neonatal intensive care environmentAim. The aim of this study was to investigate the nature and organization of maternal needs and priorities in a neonatal unit. Background. The relationship between maternal needs and priorities appears to be an under studied area in neonatal nursing. Methods. A quantitative survey was carried out based on 209 mothers with premature infants. Two self‐assessment schedules were used: critical care maternal needs inventory (J. Leske, Heart and Lung 15 , 27–42) and a ranking scale. The data were analysed with multivariate analysis. Findings. Data analysis revealed clear priorities in maternal needs. In particular the need for accurate infant related information was a priority for 93% of the mothers. Good communication practices with professionals were also valued. The mothers displayed altruistic behaviour, and self‐related needs took second place. It is proposed that maternal needs demonstrate a hierarchical organization. Conclusion. It is important for nurses to consider the individual needs of the mothers, simply because the satisfaction of these needs is essential for maternal well‐being.