Loss and grief response and perceived needs of parents with the experience of having their newborn at neonatal care units

Abstract

Objective: To determine and assess the loss and grief response, and perceived needs of parents who are having their newborns in neonatal care units. Material and Methods: Qualitative, phenomenological, hermeneutic study was conducted at Neonatal care units (neonatal intensive care unit NICU/ neonatal surgical intensive care unit NSICU) AIIMS, New Delhi. Sixteen parents participated in study In-depth interview of twenty to seventy five minutes duration were conducted and documented systematically. The data were analyzed following 12 steps based on Van Manen's analysis. Results: The study found that the loss of parents was 'Anticipated' and 'Actual' related to separation from baby, loss of baby etc. Grief responses were 'psychological' e.g. tension, anger, crying, denial, bargaining, confusion, preoccupation, and 'physical' e.g. loss of appetite, sleep etc. The perceived needs were mainly, to have a 'Friendly visiting policy', 'Proper information' and 'Communication'. Conclusion: The parents of neonates admitted to neonatal care units do have loss and grief reaction, and special needs, which a nurse needs to identify and meet in order to help parents cope with the grief.