Hintergrundinformationen und Quellen zum NEO Cast

Modul1 (1/2) Clear communications (movie)

Modul 2 Building trust in NICU (movie)

Modul 3 (1/2) Different tools of communicating with parents premature babies (voice)

Modul 4 (1/2) Tayloring the communications to parents profiles (voice)

Modul 5 (1/2) Parents specific critical communications (Voice)

Format: Animated infographics

Length: 17 min Approx

The parent-newborn separation caused by an unexpected preterm delivery and hospitalization in the NICU is frequently linked to postpartum depression and post-traumatic stress. Following NICU admission, parents may experience anxiety, frustration, guilt, and helplessness, which can influence their transition into parenthood.¹ Addressing parents' psychosocial needs helps alleviate distress during the child’s hospital stay and contributes to long-term outcomes for both the newborn and family.²

Learning how to profile the parents of a preterm newborn is an essential skill for neonatologists. Effective communication should consider both rational insights and emotional factors, as parents are influenced by emotions when making decisions.

Parents of a baby in the NICU may encounter unfamiliar machines, tubes, wires, and the physical barrier of an incubator, potentially hindering bonding. This can be compounded by friends and relatives who may struggle with how to communicate, sometimes resulting in a lack of contact.³

Healthcare professionals should remember that, for parents, none of this is “normal.” Tailoring conversations with parents, rather than providing standardized consultations, is crucial.³

Parents' Needs:

• Information and Assurance Needs
  • Parents want clear, open, and consistent information about their child's condition, treatment plans, and outcomes.^2,4
  • If communication is overly complex, parents may seek information online rather than asking for clarification.¹
• Emotional Support
  • Empathic and humane communication is crucial, especially in the high-stress NICU environment.^1-2
  • Parents report better NICU experiences when they receive consistent emotional support.¹
• Cooperative Relationship Between Family and Physicians
  • Parents desire involvement in their child’s care to learn caregiving skills and bond emotionally.²
  • Policies of family-centered care encourage parental participation as primary caregivers and equal members of the NICU team.

Framework for Tailored Communication:

• Formulate a plan: Assemble the correct team, set the preferred setting, and determine the optimal timing.
• Identify parent needs: Understand their current knowledge and concerns about the child’s condition.
• Give Information: Use personalized information, avoid medical jargon, and ensure understanding.
• Acknowledge Uncertainty: Clearly communicate any uncertainties related to the child’s health.
• Recognize Emotional Distress: Validate and empathize with parents’ feelings.
• Set Expectations: Help parents feel involved and prepare them for future care steps.^4-5

References:

1. Lorié ES, et al. "Parents' needs and perceived gaps in communication with healthcare professionals in the neonatal (intensive) care unit." Patient Educ Couns. 2021;104(7):1518-1525. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.12.007.
2. Bry A, Wigert H. "Psychosocial support for parents of extremely preterm infants in neonatal intensive care." BMC Psychol. 2019;7(1):76. doi: 10.1186/s40359-019-0354-4.
3. Mancini A, et al. "Neonatal Palliative Care for Nurses." Springer Cham, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-31877-2
4. Wreesmann WW, et al. "The functions of adequate communication in the neonatal care unit." Patient Educ Couns. 2021;104(7):1505-1517. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.11.029.
5. Bernstein SM, et al. "Counseling parents of premature neonates on neuroimaging findings." Semin Perinatol. 2021;45(7):151474. doi: 10.1016/j.semperi.2021.151474.