The lived experience of fathers of preterm infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: a systematic review of qualitative studies

Aims and objectives To systematically review the experience of fathers of preterm infants hospitalised in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Background Family‐centred care is more and more acknowledged in Neonatal Intensive Care Units, advocating for active engagement of both parents in the care journey. Nonetheless, fathers' Neonatal Intensive Care Unit experience has received limited research attention. Design Systematic review of qualitative studies. Methods Four electronic databases (CINHAL, ISI Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus) were explored and studies published between 2000–2014 were included. Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analysis (PRISMA) and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tool for Qualitative Studies guidelines were adopted. Key themes were extracted and synthesised. Results Five main themes resuming fathers' experience of preterm birth and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit stay were identified from 14 studies. Themes were: emotional roller‐coaster, paternal needs, coping strategies, self‐representation and caregiving engagement. These dimensions were found to be dynamically shaped across three critical turning points: preterm birth, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit stay and at home. Conclusions Neonatal Intensive Care Unit fathers of preterm infants experience ambivalence, a set of different needs and coping strategies. They modify their self‐representations along the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit journey and needs specific nursing support and intervention to sustain caregiving engagement and transition to parenthood. Relevance to clinical practice A systematic and deepened understanding of preterms' fathers lived experience in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit would be helpful to inform nursing practice. Specific action priorities are suggested within the frame of family‐centred care.