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Understanding parents’ emotional experiences for neonatal education: A narrative, interpretive approach
Author(s) -
Petty Julia,
Jarvis Joy,
Thomas Rebecca
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of clinical nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.94
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1365-2702
pISSN - 0962-1067
DOI - 10.1111/jocn.14807
Subject(s) - thematic analysis , feeling , narrative , psychology , narrative inquiry , qualitative research , anxiety , nursing , medicine , developmental psychology , medical education , social psychology , sociology , psychiatry , social science , linguistics , philosophy
Abstract Aims and objectives To explore the emotional experiences of parents who have had premature babies to inform and educate neonatal nurses and health professionals in this field. Background Parents find the neonatal unit a daunting and unfamiliar place leading to anxiety, uncertainty and fear about the future of their baby. Parents have significant emotional needs in relation to assisting them to cope with their neonatal experience. In line with a family‐centred approach to neonatal education, it is essential to teach health professionals about the emotional impact of neonatal care based on an appreciation of the parent experience. Design A narrative‐based, interpretive approach was undertaken in line with constructivist learning theory. Methods Twenty narrative interviews took place, with a total of 23 parents of premature babies. Following core story creation to create coherent stories from the raw transcripts, thematic analysis of the narrative constructs using the principles of Braun and Clarke's, International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well‐Being , 2014, 9, 1, framework was undertaken. The study methods were compliant with the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ). Findings Thematic analysis revealed key themes relating to the following: parents’ emotions through the whole neonatal experience, feelings towards the baby, the environment, the staff and the transitions through the different phases of neonatal care . Both negative and positive experiences were reported. Conclusion Understanding the emotional experience from the parent's perspective, following birth of their premature baby, informs empathic, family‐centred teaching and learning within the neonatal education arena. Relevance to clinical practice Students and health professionals alike can learn what is important in the delivery of care that addresses the emotional needs of parents and families. Educators can use narratives and key messages from parents, both negative and positive, to teach family‐centred principles to nurses and health professionals as a core component of a narrative curricula and potentially to enhance empathy.