The Being in the neonatal ICU

perceptions of the parents about the experience of hospitalization and psychological care received in the unit

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the perception of parents (mother and father) of   premature   babies   admitted   to   a   neonatal   intensive   care   unit   about   the hospitalization and psychological assistance received in the unit. The sample consisted of 12 parents, data were collected through semi-structured interviews, and analyzed through  the  content  analysis  technique.  The  data  collection  period  comprised  the months of January to May 2021. While the suffering that marks hospitalization of the baby  was  evidenced  through  reports  of  fear  and  anguish,  especially  in  the  initial moments  of  hospitalization,  were  also  described  feelings  of  relief  and  happiness emerged  from  the  awareness  that  the  patient  was  receiving  the  necessary  care available  in  the  unit.  The  clinical  improvement  of  the  patient  and  the  positive perception  about  the  care  offered  by  the  health  team  contributed  to  the  emotional stability  of  the  parents  during  the  hospitalization.  The  psychological  assistance received was described as a promoter of support and reception and proved relevant in helping to cope with the situation experienced.