Experiencing family care for premature newborns during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction. According to the United Nations, around 15 million premature babies are born worldwide every year. Our work aims to describe the experience of families in caring for premature newborns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology. Our study is a qualitative, multiple-case study, conducted between September 2021 and March 2022, with family members of premature newborns who underwent outpatient childcare at a university hospital in southern Brazil that implemented the Kangaroo Method. We collected data through online interviews with a semi-structured instrument and thematic categorical analysis of the data. Results. The data analysis resulted in five categories: feelings and experiences; experience in the health service; repercussions of family income and work; family dynamics; and support network with a premature baby. Discussion. The experience of prematurity poses a challenge to family functioning and demands a care-centered approach from health professionals. Conclusion. Strengthening the family bond and promoting full child development emerge as elements that need to be reviewed and guaranteed, with strategies that seek to mitigate inherent risks and cultivate an environment conducive to the development of each child and their family.