Staff and parent perceptions of neonatal outreach services across the North West of England: A qualitative study

Despite advancements in neonatal care, preterm infants often require extended periods of stay in neonatal units, which can lead to parent-infant separation and increased stress. Supported discharge services may be helpful in reducing separation and stress, but neonatal outreach service provision differs substantially across the UK. This study aimed to map current service models (e.g., intensity, components, staffing) of neonatal outreach service provision to describe variations, to identify barriers and facilitators to delivery, and to explore staff and parents’ perceptions of these services. Qualitative interviews were conducted with staff (n = 15) and parents (n = 10) with experience of neonatal outreach services across the North West of England and analysed thematically. The findings identified variations in service models, and barriers (e.g., commissioning, staffing, resources) and facilitators (e.g., consistency, financial support, documentation) influencing service delivery which are useful in understanding how to improve neonatal outreach services in the future. • Variations in neonatal outreach services exist in the North West of England. • Parents of preterm infants value neonatal outreach services. • Barriers include a lack of commissioning, staffing, and resources. • Consistency, financial support, and documentation could facilitate improvements. • An evidence-based framework is needed to guide neonatal outreach service delivery.