Using Digital Communication Technology to Improve Family Centered Neonatal Care: A Two-Part Explorative Needs Assessment (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND The birth of a premature infant and the following hospitalization are very stressful events for the parents. Accurate and understandable communication between parents and healthcare professionals is, therefore, crucial during this period. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies have the potential to improve the communication with parents at any time and place and could positively influence the parents’ stress levels. OBJECTIVE In this study, a two-part explorative needs assessment is conducted in which 1) the interaction between the pediatrician and parents is examined along with 2) their digital communication technology needs with the aim to improve the interpersonal communication and information exchange. METHODS Nineteen consultations between parents of preterm infants and pediatricians were observed to determine which themes are discussed most. Afterwards the parent-couples and the pediatrician were interviewed separately, to evaluate the process of communication and to gauge their interest in- and ideas about a neonatal communication mHealth app. RESULTS The observations revealed as most prevalent themes: breastfeeding, criteria for discharge, medication, and the parents’ personal life. Data from the interviews showed that parents were satisfied with the communication of their pediatrician. In addition, both parents and pediatricians felt that a neonatal mHealth app can provide substantial benefits to their communication process and the neonatal stay period. Parents mentioned valuing app features such as growth graphs, a diary function, hospital specific information, and medical rounds reports. CONCLUSIONS Both parents from hospitalized preterm infants and their physicians expect that a hypothetical app has the potential to cater for the most prevalent themes and will improve communication and information transfer. Recommendations for developing such an app and possible features are discussed. Based on the promising results, it is suggested to further develop and study the effects of a mHealth app together with all stakeholders.