What the study found
Neonatal nurses perceived that parents experience trauma during neonatal unit admission, and they estimated high levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among both mothers and fathers. They also identified separation from the baby, clinical procedures, and unexpected critical events as major contributors to perceived trauma.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors suggest the findings point to parental psychological vulnerability during neonatal unit admission and to perceived gaps in mental health support in neonatal services in Northern Ireland. They conclude that these perceptions highlight the need to consider support for neonatal parents.
What the researchers tested
The researchers surveyed 61 neonatal nurses attending a regional Neonatal Nurses Association conference in Northern Ireland in April 2024. Nurses completed an anonymous five-question digital survey, and the team summarized quantitative responses descriptively and analyzed open-text responses using inductive content analysis.
What worked and what didn't
All respondents agreed that parents experience trauma during neonatal unit admission. Most nurses estimated maternal PTSD prevalence in the 71–80% range and paternal prevalence in the 61–70% range. The most common perceived trauma domain was separation and disconnection from the baby, followed by clinical procedures and interventions and unexpected and critical situations.
What to keep in mind
These findings reflect professional perception rather than measured PTSD prevalence in parents. The abstract does not describe other limitations beyond the fact that the sample came from one conference and one region.
Key points
- All surveyed nurses agreed that parents experience trauma during neonatal unit admission.
- Most nurses estimated maternal PTSD prevalence at 71–80% and paternal prevalence at 61–70%.
- The most common perceived trauma trigger was separation and disconnection from the baby.
- Clinical procedures, unexpected critical situations, and neonatal environment/stimuli were also identified as trauma contributors.
- Most respondents perceived perinatal mental health provision for neonatal parents in Northern Ireland as inadequate.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Nurses reported high perceived parental trauma in neonatal units
- Authors:
- Colm Darby, Victoria Craig, Olinda Santin, Derek McLaughlin, Breidge Boyle
- Institutions:
- Queen's University Belfast, Southern Health and Social Care Trust
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-10
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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