Discharge preparation for parents of preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit: A qualitative study revealing experiences and needs

During the discharge preparation process for preterm infants, parents face not only emotional and caregiving challenges but also a need for sufficient informational and social support. This study aims to explore the emotional distress, information needs, social support, and the current status of communication with medical teams that parents encounter during discharge preparation. This study included 120 parents (72% mothers, 28% fathers), with an average age of 31.4 years. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data on participants' background, emotional experiences, caregiving skills, information needs, social support needs, and communication with the medical team. 72% of parents reported emotional distress, and 46% felt anxious about the upcoming discharge. 63% of parents indicated an improvement in caregiving skills, but 22% still expressed a lack of confidence. About 63% of parents felt that the information they received was insufficient, particularly regarding long-term care and complication management. 72% of parents expressed a desire for more information on disease management. 75% of parents emphasized the importance of family emotional support, 64% wished for more support from the medical team, and 55% desired community resource support. 63% of parents believed there were communication gaps with the medical team, especially in areas such as changes in health conditions and discharge handovers. 54% of parents stated that the medical team had not sufficiently explained health status changes and how to manage emergencies. Parents require more emotional support, informational support, and professional training during discharge preparation, particularly in caregiving skills, emergency handling, and disease management. Improving communication and collaboration between medical teams and parents is crucial for enhancing parents' confidence and caregiving skills.