Abstract
Objective This study aimed to describe the family psychosocial experience in a level-III neonatal
intensive care unit (NICU), and to assess how it evolved after rollout of an educational
smartphone application (App) called “My Brigham Baby.”
Study Design We surveyed 25 NICU parents pre-App rollout (before coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]
pandemic) and 25 parents post-App rollout (during pandemic). Collected data included
parental self-reported discharge readiness, symptoms of stress and anxiety, and parenting
skill confidence. Survey scores were assessed as total or mean scores, and by category
of severity.
Results Pre-and post-App parents had comparable demographics, and their infants had similar
clinical characteristics during their NICU stay. Discharge readiness differed by group
status (p = 0.02) and was characterized by a greater frequency in being “very ready” for discharge
among the post-App rollout parent group compared with the pre-App group (56 vs. 20%,
p = 0.027), and parenting confidence shifted toward more optimal scores post-App rollout.
Parental stress and anxiety symptoms did not significantly differ between groups despite
possible stress contagion from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusion This pilot study suggests that technology Apps are feasible interventions within
NICU settings and may enhance parental experiences related to NICU hospitalization.
Key Points
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Parents' experience increased psychological distress during the time their infant
is cared for in the NICU, which has downstream consequences for the family unit.
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In our study, surveyed parents reported higher discharge readiness and parenting confidence
shifted toward improvement after rollout of a family education and support smartphone
application in a level-III NICU.
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This pilot study suggests that technology applications are feasible interventions
that might enhance parental experiences during NICU hospitalization.
Keywords
NICU - preterm - parent mental health - discharge readiness - technology
