Parental experiences of transition from tertiary neonatal care to a regional special care nursery in an Australian setting

Background Preterm infants from regional areas may require transfer to tertiary neonatal intensive care, followed by back-transfer to regional services after clinical stabilisation. Despite this common practice, there is limited research examining parental perceptions of care across tertiary and regional special care nurseries (SCNs), particularly within the Australian context. Understanding these experiences is essential to inform service improvements at a regional level. Aim This study aimed to explore parental perceptions of the transition from tertiary neonatal care to a regional SCNs. Methods A qualitative descriptive study design was undertaken in Mackay, Queensland. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 parents of preterm infants who were back-transferred from tertiary to the regional SCN. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic methodology to identify key patterns and subthemes. Results Five overarching themes were identified: experiencing acute emotional impact, adapting to transition of care, forming new social supports, managing finances, and bridging the care gap. Back-transfer brought relief but could also generate anxiety as parents adjusted to regional care. Conclusion Back-transfer from tertiary to regional neonatal care can be accompanied by parental anxiety despite the benefits of returning closer to home. Greater preparation, communication and continuity-of-care strategies may support families during this transition.