The Management of Infants' Transition from NICU to Home.

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Today, infants' survival rate has increased because of improvements in neonatal medical and nursing care in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). The transition from NICU to home means a lot of challenges for families and infants. Health providers and family try to facilitate an easy and smooth transition. The purpose of this study was to explore the management of infants' transition from NICU to home. Methods: A qualitative study was designed to develop a grounded theory for the management of infants' transition from the neonatal intensive care unit to the home. Data collection was done through interviews with 57 professionals and family members, and participant observations as well as review of medical records. Data analysis was conducted through the Strauss and Corbin approach and using a qualitative data analysis package, MAXQDA 2010 for coding and categorizing. Findings: The results of the study revealed eight categories. Six categories were included: unexpected separation, crisis, and mother –infant rebinding, protection of the infant's health, promotion of growth and development, and causing disability. Effective factors were another category which facilitate or hinder infants' transition. Categories formed a three –phase process: a threat to the infant's life, saving life and continuation of life. Survival was a core category with three properties as known need, interaction and stability. Conclusion: The results of the study revealed that some but not all of the preparations performed during the process of transition are incomplete and must be improved by developing guidelines to prevent mother –infant separation, facilitate Kangaroo Mother Care and breast feeding. Applying a developmental care can improve infants' growth and development.