Socijalna podrška u sustavu zdravlja - Iskustva majki nedonoščadi

Abstract

Preterm birth brings a number of challenges for parents of premature babies who need quality and accessible formal support in the first days and months of their lives. Existing sources of informal support are not sufficient for the health care needs of a premature baby, therefore the role of the health care system and its employees is key for successful early development of the child. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the experiences of formal social support within the health system from the perspective of mothers of premature babies. The study included thirteen mothers of premature babies from the Zagreb and Split-Dalmatia County. The paper analyses the barriers to access to formal support within health system and provides recommendations for its improvement based on the experience of mothers of premature babies. The results indicate existing gaps within the health care system (long waiting lists, lack of counselling support, inadequate housing conditions); lack of early informing of parents about diagnostic, treatment and services for the child; dissatisfaction with medical care, but also with received nurse support, as well as lack of social workers and psychologists within the hospital. The results provide guidance and recommendations for improving support systems for premature babies and their parents.