Karen M Benzies1, Vibhuti Shah2, Khalid Aziz3, Abhay Lodha4, Renée Misfeldt5. 1. Faculty of Nursing and Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, PF2278, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada. Electronic address: benzies@ucalgary.ca. 2. Mount Sinai Hospital; Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Rm 19-231N, 600 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada. Electronic address: vibhuti.shah@sinaihealthsystem.ca. 3. Edmonton Neonatal Program; Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, DTC 5027, Royal Alexandra Hospital, 10240 Kingsway Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T5H 3V9, Canada. Electronic address: khalid.aziz@ualberta.ca. 4. Alberta Health Services; Departments of Paediatrics and Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, C211-1403 29 Street NW, Calgary, AB T2N 2T9, Canada. Electronic address: aklodha@ucalgary.ca. 5. Alberta Health Services, Health Systems Evaluation and Evidence, Innovation and Research Management, 5010 43rd Street, Red Deer, AB T4N 6H2, Canada. Electronic address: renee.misfeldt@albertahealthservices.ca.
Abstract
AIM: To describe the perspectives of health care providers and hospital administrators on their experiences of providing care for infants in Level II neonatal intensive care units and their families. RESEARCH METHODS: We conducted 36 qualitative interviews with neonatal health care providers and hospital administrators and analysed data using a descriptive interpretive approach. SETTING: 10 Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Units in a single, integrated health care system in one Canadian province. FINDINGS: Three major themes emerged: (1) providing family-centred care, (2) working amidst health care system challenges, and (3) recommending improvements to the health care system. The overarching theme was that the health care system was making 'too much noise' for health care providers and hospital administrators to provide family-centred care in ways that would benefit infants and their families. Recommended improvements included: refining staffing models, enhancing professional development, providing tools to deliver consistent care, recognising parental capacity to be involved in care, strengthening continuity of care, supporting families to be with their infant, and designing family-friendly environments. CONCLUSION: When implementing family-centred care initiatives, health care providers and hospital administrators need to consider the complexity of providing care in Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Units, and recognise that health care system changes may be necessary to optimise implementation.
AIM: To describe the perspectives of health care providers and hospital administrators on their experiences of providing care for infants in Level II neonatal intensive care units and their families. RESEARCH METHODS: We conducted 36 qualitative interviews with neonatal health care providers and hospital administrators and analysed data using a descriptive interpretive approach. SETTING: 10 Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Units in a single, integrated health care system in one Canadian province. FINDINGS: Three major themes emerged: (1) providing family-centred care, (2) working amidst health care system challenges, and (3) recommending improvements to the health care system. The overarching theme was that the health care system was making 'too much noise' for health care providers and hospital administrators to provide family-centred care in ways that would benefit infants and their families. Recommended improvements included: refining staffing models, enhancing professional development, providing tools to deliver consistent care, recognising parental capacity to be involved in care, strengthening continuity of care, supporting families to be with their infant, and designing family-friendly environments. CONCLUSION: When implementing family-centred care initiatives, health care providers and hospital administrators need to consider the complexity of providing care in Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Units, and recognise that health care system changes may be necessary to optimise implementation.