Child Health Nurs Res.  2021 Apr;27(2):146-159. 10.4094/chnr.2021.27.2.146.

Nursing support perceived by mothers of preterm infants in a neonatal intensive care unit in South Korea

• Im M
• Oh J

• KMID: 2515420
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4094/chnr.2021.27.2.146

Abstract

Purpose
The aim of this study was to clarify and define the concept of nursing support as perceived by mothers of preterm infants.
Methods
The research was conducted using Schwartz-Barcott and Kim's hybrid model. Sixteen articles were analyzed during the theoretical phase. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 mothers of preterm infants in the fieldwork phase. In the final analytical phase, the attributes of nursing support were defined.
Results
There were four themes and 10 attributes of nursing support as perceived by mothers of preterm infants. "Professional care" and "emotional care for the baby" were identified as attributes of baby care support. "Information related to the disease", "inpatient environment", "baby's daily hospital life", and "mother-centered care" were identified as attributes of information delivery support. "Empathy for mothers" and "therapeutic communication with the mother" were identified as attributes for mental care support. Lastly, "providing a chance for the mother to take care of the baby" and "reinforcement of the maternal role" were identified as attributes of maternal role support.
Conclusion
The 10 attributes of this study could provide a base for the development of a nursing support instrument and practical guidelines for mothers in neonatal intensive care units.

Keyword

Infant; Premature birth; Mothers; Intensive care units; neonatal