Inclusion and participation in the care of the preterm infant at neonatal unit: paternal perceptions

Abstract

Aim: to describe paternal perceptions about their participation and inclusion in the care of their preterm infants staying at a Neonatal Unit. Methods: a descriptive study with qualitative approach performed at a public maternity that is a reference hospital in Kangaroo Care, in the north of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The data were collected between June and August of 2017 through semi-structured interviews conducted with 11 fathers. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: four categories were identified: to be a father of a preterm newborn and its impact on the family dynamic; the first paternal touch; becoming a father; the participation and inclusion of the father in the care of his hospitalized infant; the healthcare team actions to build a paternal leading role. Final considerations: the clinical condition of a preterm newborn and the interpersonal relationship with the healthcare team influence the paternal participation on the infant care. Therefore, it is necessary to promote paternal empowerment at the Neonatal Unit.

Keywords

• recém-nascido prematuro
• unidades de terapia intensiva neonatal
• nascimento prematuro
• método canguru
• enfermagem neonatal
• relações pai-filho.