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ObjectiveTo evaluate the parent and staff experience of a secure video messaging service as a component of neonatal care.DesignMulticentre evaluation incorporating quantitative and qualitative items.SettingLevel II and level III UK neonatal units.PopulationFamilies of neonatal inpatients and neonatal staff.InterventionUse of a secure, cloud-based asynchronous video messaging service to send short messages from neonatal staff to families. Evaluation undertaken July–November 2019.Main outcome measuresParental experience, including anxiety, involvement in care, relationships between parents and staff, and breastmilk expression.ResultsIn pre-implementation surveys (n=41), families reported high levels of stress and anxiety and were receptive to use of the service. In post-implementation surveys (n=42), 88% perceived a benefit of the service on their neonatal experience. Families rated a positive impact of the service on anxiety, sleep, family involvement and relationships with staff. Qualitative responses indicated enhanced emotional closeness, increased involvement in care and a positive effect on breastmilk expression. Seventy-seven post-implementation staff surveys were also collected. Staff rated the service as easy to use, with minimal impact on workload. Seventy-one percent (n=55) felt the service had a positive impact on relationships with families. Staff identified the need to manage parental expectations in relation to the number of videos that could be sent.ConclusionsAsynchronous video messaging improves parental experience, emotional closeness to their baby and builds supportive relationships between families and staff. Asynchronous video supports models of family integrated care and can mitigate family separation, which could be particularly relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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In 2008 a dual diagnosis service was set up within the forensic services of East London NHS Foundation Trust. This paper provides an outline of the service as it currently stands, and a description of the multidisciplinary staff roles within the service. Each staff member reflects on the success and challenges over the year that the service has been operational. Pointers to our future plans and strategy development are made.

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