A qualitative study of fathers’ experiences of a Scottish neonatal intensive care unit: and clinical research portfolio

Robertson, Kim (2014) A qualitative study of fathers’ experiences of a Scottish neonatal intensive care unit: and clinical research portfolio. D Clin Psy thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Objectives: 1) To gain an in-depth understanding of fathers’ experiences of having their preterm infant hospitalised in a Scottish Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and 2) to develop a clearer understanding of fathers’ support needs.

Methods: Six fathers of infants cared for in a Scottish Neonatal Intensive Care Unit completed semi-structured interviews about their experiences. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to identify themes emerging from these interviews.

Results: Six overarching themes were identified: 1) adjusting to the demands of the situation, 2) relationships with staff, 3) technology: a divided opinion, 4) becoming a father, 5) emotional reactions, and 6) adaptive responses.

Conclusion: This study offers an in-depth understanding of fathers’ experiences of having their preterm infant cared for in a Scottish Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and has helped to develop a clearer understanding of fathers’ support needs.
Findings: (1) validate the relevance of the constructs of support outlined within an existing conceptual model of parents’ support needs (the Nurse Parent Support Model) for fathers in the NICU, (2) justify modifications to the existing model to incorporate additional forms of support which are not currently included, and (3) indicate how this revised model could be implemented in clinical practice to inform the provision of Family Centred Care and thus promote parent and infant wellbeing.

• Item Type: Thesis (D Clin Psy)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Fathers’ experience, neonatal intensive care unit, NICU, pre-term infants, qualitative research
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
• Colleges/Schools: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Supervisor's Name: O'Connor, Dr. Suzy
• Date of Award: 2014
• Depositing User: Ms Kim Robertson
• Unique ID: glathesis:2014-5678
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 07 Nov 2014 13:09
• Last Modified: 07 Nov 2014 13:11
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/5678