Jordanian parental needs of critically ill infants in neonatal intensive care units

Abstract

This descriptive correlational study was conducted to identify perceived parental needs of critically ill infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). Jordanian parents who were visiting their infants admitted in NICU ( N = 170) composed the study sample. Participants completed the demographic data sheet and the NICU Family Needs Inventory. Findings showed that parents ranked assurance, information and proximity as the most important needs, while comfort and support were ranked the lowest. The primary concern of parents was to be assured and informed about the progress of their infant. In addition, the results indicated that the mother’s perceived needs for support, information and proximity were significantly more important than the father's. Accordingly, nurses should establish a rapport with family members and provide them with understandable and honest information. Furthermore, the provision of quality, holistic, family-centered nursing care that relies primarily on early and comprehensive needs assessment, which correlates with infants’ outcomes, is imperative.