Parents of extremely and moderately preterm children reported long‐lasting impressions of medical care and the hospital environment

Abstract Aim Few studies have examined the parents of moderately preterm children. The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of parents of both extremely and moderately preterm children. Methods Qualitative telephone interviews were conducted in 2013‐2014 with 13 mothers and 10 fathers of extremely preterm children and with 11 mothers and seven fathers of moderately preterm children. The children were born between 2000 and 2003. Data were analysed with a narrative approach. Results Parents of extremely preterm children recounted dramatic birth stories that, for most, ended positively. Parents of moderately preterm children presented more neutral birth stories, and most recounted that their children did not receive attention for prematurity from medical staff. Parents from both groups described staff members’ treatment in terms of long‐lasting impressions, and they were deeply affected by the hospital environment and the other parents and children admitted. Parents whose children died or were disabled recounted dramatic stories and endless fights for support. Conclusion Parents from both groups reported long‐lasting impressions of the medical staff and the hospital environment, which they found important to talk about, even a decade after the birth of their child/children.