Experience with videoconferencing between a neonatal unit and the families' home from the perspective of certified paediatric nurses

Abstract

Parents of preterm-born infants need support after returning to their homes with their baby. We studied the experience of certified paediatric nurses (CPNs) with the use of videoconferencing between the neonatal intensive care unit and the families' home. Families were given a home videoconferencing unit, which allowed them to contact staff at the neonatal unit, day and night. Over a period of 12 months, ten families used the videoconferencing equipment. Families made a median of 4 telemedicine calls each (range 2-30). Narrative interviews were performed with 10 CPNs after the study ended. Qualitative thematic content analysis was applied to the interview data and one theme was identified: smoothing the transition of infants from the neonatal unit to the families' home. The CPNs found that videoconferencing helped them to assess the overall situation at home and facilitated the relationship between parents and the infant. The CPNs felt that they were able to provide security to the family. The use of videoconferencing was considered as a generally positive experience and as a tool to improve nursing care at home.

Effects of Mobile Video-Mediated Communication for Health Care Professionals in Advanced Home Care of Children

“…This, in turn, facilitates increased parent involvement. Group discussions also increase accuracy in communication and reduces the risk of misunderstandings [3,4]. Moreover, an additional value was the multi-purpose quality of the device as it also functioned a distraction device, a device for information seeking and entertainment, a symbol for encouragement and a potential digital pamphlet for education purposes.…”

“…As for the mobility, studies on video-based communication in home care primarily explores telemedicine applications with stationary videoconferencing equipment installed in the patient's home for use over a relatively long period of time [2,4,5,13,14]. Such systems require certain logistical considerations and, to a degree, education from the health care provider for effective clinical use.…”

“…Early studies with video systems in pediatric home care show improved clinical effectiveness, cost-saving benefits and also more efficient use of specialists' time [2,3]. It has also shown to relieve anxieties of families [2,4]. Kidd et al [3] and Lindberg et al [4] report that the use of videoconferencing in pediatric home care also lead to improved reliability and accuracy in exchange of information.…”

“…It has also shown to relieve anxieties of families [2,4]. Kidd et al [3] and Lindberg et al [4] report that the use of videoconferencing in pediatric home care also lead to improved reliability and accuracy in exchange of information. In a study on home care of neonatal children, health care professionals report that the use of video is generally a positive experience, it enables easy assessment of the overall situation and makes it easier to provide support to families and improves nursing care at home [4].…”

Telemedicine Collaboration Improves Perinatal Regionalization and Lowers Statewide Infant Mortality

“…12 TM has been used in NICUs to assess for retinopathy of prematurity in VLBW neonates 16,17 in obstetrical units to provide fetal ultrasonography, 11 in cardiology to perform echocardiography, 18 and to provide education 11 and family support. 19 In 2003, Arkansas established a statewide system for high-risk obstetrics and neonatology, Antenatal and Neonatal Guidelines, Education and Learning System (ANGELS). ANGELS provided an infrastructure for TM collaboration, consultation, and development and adoption of best practices.…”