Exploring Counseling Needs of Mothers and Family Caregivers of Preterm Infants in the NICU: A Qualitative Study

Background Healthcare counseling (HCC) integrates structured counseling services into all levels of healthcare delivery to bridge the communication gap between healthcare professionals and patients. The present study aimed to explore the perceived need for HCC among mothers and caregivers of preterm babies admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Methods The qualitative study adopted an interpretive descriptive approach and included mothers aged 18 years and above who delivered preterm babies admitted to and discharged from the NICU. Grandmothers and healthcare providers involved in the care of these infants were also included. Participants were selected through purposive sampling until data saturation was reached. Data were analyzed using the interpretive description method. Results A total of 29 eligible participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Five themes addressing the necessity of HCC emerged, namely, “Information Needs,” “Psychosocial Support Needs,” “Communication Needs,” “Parental Participation Needs,” and “NICU-to-home Transition Support Needs.” Mothers and caregivers of preterm infants admitted to the NICU frequently experience considerable emotional and psychological distress, exacerbated by a lack of adequate information regarding perinatal and postnatal care, including limited understanding of the procedures, routines, and expectations during the NICU stay. Conclusion The challenges faced by NICU mothers and caregivers underscore the need for structured counseling support interventions to enhance effective parental coping. There is a clear need for a well-equipped, distinct HCC unit with a dedicated HCC team to provide consistent informational and psychological support tailored to the unique challenges faced by NICU mothers and their families.