Integrative Review of Technology to Support Communication With Parents of Infants in the NICU

Abstract

Objective-To synthesize findings from the published literature on the use of technology in the NICU to improve communications and interactions among health care providers, parents, and infants.Data Sources-Electronic databases including Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched for related research published through May 2016. The reference lists of all studies were reviewed, and a hand search of key journals was also conducted to locate eligible studies.Study Selection-Eleven studies (five quantitative, two qualitative, and four mixed methods) were identified that met the inclusion criteria. Only studies published in English were included.Data Extraction-Whittemore and Knafl's methodology for conducting integrative reviews was used to guide data extraction, analysis, and synthesis. Data were extracted and organized according to the following headings: author, year, and location; study purpose and design; sample size and demographics; technology used; study findings; and limitations.

In-Hospital Telehealth Supports Care for Neonatal Patients in Strict Isolation

“…10,11 Video calls or livestreaming video of premature newborns has also been described for family support during long NICU hospitalizations. 12 With many health care facilities limiting in-patient visitation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine could be used to support families who cannot visit due to exposure concerns. Formal evaluations of family satisfaction with inpatient services provided via telemedicine, and the degree to which this supports patient and family-centered care are needed.…”

Visitation restrictions: is it right and how do we support families in the NICU during COVID-19?

“…However, when visitation is limited or restricted, building that trust may be difficult. Alternative methods of communication which include a video component have been studied [ 18 ].…”

Parental Perspectives on the Postpartum Bonding Experience after Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Transfer to a Referral Hospital

“…The referral NICU can promote bonding by forming connections between parents and newborns through communication (cameras, iPads, and smartphone applications), 27,28 sound (voice or heartbeat), [11][12][13] and scent (swapped scented cloths). Since most of our mothers have their own smart phones, we have found that it is easier for them to receive videos or recordings of their newborn.…”