Research Week Abstract Book - Northern Health
Research Week Abstract Book - Northern Health
Research Week Abstract Book - Northern Health
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Women’s <strong>Health</strong> and Paediatrics<br />
THE DOWN-TRANSFER OF INFANTS FROM TERTIARY NICus TO SCNS: THE<br />
PerCEPTIONS AND OPinions OF HEALTH Professionals’ ON ParenTS’<br />
Transfer EXPERIENCES<br />
Ramudu L 1, McDonald S 2 , Thomas S3.<br />
1<br />
Education Department, The <strong>Northern</strong> Hospital<br />
2<br />
La Trobe University/Mercy Hospital for Women<br />
3<br />
Monash University<br />
Background<br />
<strong>Health</strong> professionals (HPs) have always acknowledged that the down-transfer of infants from a Neonatal Unit (NICU) to a<br />
Special Care Nursery (SCN) is a difficult period for parents. This study will enable all HPs to be cognisant of the individual<br />
needs of families in all aspects of the down-transfer process.<br />
Aim<br />
The aim of this study was to explore the views of health professionals (HPs) at the NICUs and SCNs, and to gain an insight<br />
into their perspectives of parents’ experiences.<br />
Methodology<br />
A descriptive exploratory qualitative method was utilised in this study. An Interview Schedule was used to elicit the opinions of<br />
80 HPs through focus groups at six study sites. The common themes were analysed and categorised using directed content<br />
analysis.<br />
Results<br />
The four main themes categorised were Causes of Transfer Stress, Setting the Scene for Transfer and Relationships. Parent<br />
stressors, the quality of the pre-transfer and transition preparation, communication of information in a positive manner, and a<br />
show of support and trust for the SCN were factors that influenced parents’ acceptance to the transfer. This was hindered if<br />
HPs were unaware of the environment they were preparing parents for, or if they worked within systems under pressure. This<br />
affected the timely preparation for transfer and the reception of parents at the SCN.<br />
Conclusion<br />
The knowledge gained from this research will enable HPs to review current practices and processes related to down-transfer.<br />
Ten recommendations are offered to support parents for the down-transfer.<br />
36<br />
<strong>Research</strong> <strong>Week</strong> <strong>Abstract</strong> <strong>Book</strong> <strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Health</strong> 2013