The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) environments can be a source of considerable stress and emotional strain for families. Feelings of powerlessness, loss, and guilt are common as parents navigate the unfamiliar and sterile NICU/PICU setting. However, a new approach is developing that shows promise in improving the experience for both families and patients, as well as critical care staff: digital diaries.
This article explores the potential of digital diaries to empower families in the NICU/PICU, improve communication with caregivers, and ultimately lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.
Roughly 10% to 15% of all births in the United States result in a stay in the NICU1. NICU patients encounter bright lights, constant noise, and unfamiliar procedures in the first days of their lives. This stressful environment can be equally difficult for parents, who are separated from their child and struggle with feelings of fear, uncertainty, and loss.
However, Family-Centered Care (FCC) approaches are helping by:
In this patient-centered approach, journaling emerges as a powerful tool. By expressing their thoughts and feelings in a diary, parents can gain clarity and perspective, allowing them to better navigate the emotional rollercoaster of a NICU/PICU stay. This practice not only benefits parents but also contributes to the overall well-being of the child through a more supportive and collaborative care environment.
Digital diaries offer benefits for both parents and infants in the NICU/PICU environment, as well as hospitals and ICUs through:
Research has shown that involving parents in their child’s care through FCC approaches can significantly reduce stress and feelings of helplessness.6Digital diaries provide a platform for parents to actively participate in their child’s care journey, document their observations and questions, and collaborate more effectively with the care team. This empowerment contributes to a more positive and engaged experience for parents during a challenging time.
Studies have demonstrated the positive impact of FCC on infant outcomes.7By reducing separation anxiety, digital diaries can contribute to the overall well-being of NICU/PICU families and that has an impact on the patients as well. Parents can use the diary to express love and encouragement for their child, fostering a sense of connection despite physical separation.
The early stages of parent-infant bonding are crucial for long-term development. One of the most stressful aspects of NICU for parents is the was the alteration of the parental bond.8 Digital diaries can be a powerful tool for promoting this vital bond. Parents can record their thoughts, feelings, and experiences alongside pictures and videos of their child, creating a cherished record of their journey together. This not only helps parents stay connected during separation but also provides a valuable resource for strengthening the bond after discharge.
Both parents can contribute to the diary and share their thoughts and feelings through the journaling process. Since both parents have access to these entries, they can read each other’s contributions and get insight into where they are in the trauma process. This type of indirect communication between parents helps increase understanding.
The mother of a NICU baby is a parent but also a patient. Frequently, the parental role takes over and mothers put aside the fact that they’ve just gone through giving birth and also need to take care of their physical and mental health. Postpartum depression is more common among mothers of infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) compared to the general population. Studies have found the incidence of PPD of up to 40% in this group9. Having an outlet to express emotions and process this traumatic situation might help mothers take care of their psychological health while their baby is in the NICU. More research is required to confirm that diaries have this impact.
This practice not only benefits parents but also acknowledges the mother as a patient, empowering her recovery, supporting her mental health, and allowing her to track her emotional progress. These benefits promote fewer instances of postpartum depression and a healthier family environment.
Martika Heath, Former Maternity Care Assistant Tweet
Neo-Diary is a digital journaling application specifically designed to support FCC principles in the NICU/PICU environment. It combines the benefits of digital journaling with FCC by allowing parents to:
By embracing digital journaling programs like Neo-Diary, hospitals have the opportunity to improve the NICU/PICU experience, fostering a more supportive and family-centered environment that benefits patients, families, and staff alike.
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