Kristina Garne Holm1,2, Anne Brødsgaard3,4, Gitte Zachariassen1,2, Anthony C Smith5, Jane Clemensen1,2,6. 1. 1 Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark. 2. 2 Hans Christian Andersen Children's Hospital, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark. 3. 3 Department of Pediatrics, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager Hvidovre, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark. 4. 4 Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Public Health, Aarhus University, Denmark. 5. 5 Centre for Online Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. 6. 6 Centre of Innovative Medical Technology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Neonatal homecare for preterm infants is a method of supporting families and monitoring infant growth in the home setting. Telehealth may be used to deliver specialist neonatal care remotely, using online communication methods. This study explored parental experiences with neonatal tele-homecare (NTH). METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 49 parents whose preterm infants had received NTH from a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Denmark. Interview transcripts were analysed using Malterud's systematic text condensation. RESULTS: Parents experienced NTH as a personalised method for linking to specialist staff in the NICU. NTH promoted the parent's role as the primary care provider, further strengthening the parent-infant relationship. DISCUSSION: From the perspective of parents with preterm infants requiring specialist care, NTH is a useful method of supporting families in the home. Telehealth provides effective communication links with NICU specialists and encourages family-centred care.
INTRODUCTION: Neonatal homecare for preterm infants is a method of supporting families and monitoring infant growth in the home setting. Telehealth may be used to deliver specialist neonatal care remotely, using online communication methods. This study explored parental experiences with neonatal tele-homecare (NTH). METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 49 parents whose preterm infants had received NTH from a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Denmark. Interview transcripts were analysed using Malterud's systematic text condensation. RESULTS: Parents experienced NTH as a personalised method for linking to specialist staff in the NICU. NTH promoted the parent's role as the primary care provider, further strengthening the parent-infant relationship. DISCUSSION: From the perspective of parents with preterm infants requiring specialist care, NTH is a useful method of supporting families in the home. Telehealth provides effective communication links with NICU specialists and encourages family-centred care.
Authors: Meagan R Talbott; Sarah Dufek; Lonnie Zwaigenbaum; Susan Bryson; Jessica Brian; Isabel M Smith; Sally J Rogers Journal: J Autism Dev Disord Date: 2020-09