Parents' experiences of care for premature infants in the community

Abstract

The rates of premature infants born in the UK at 22 weeks' gestation and given life support have increased three-fold in England and Wales following changes to NHS guidance for the treatment of extreme prematurity. These infants can have life-long disabilities and long-standing health or developmental issues; consequently, there is an increasing demand for community professionals to support this vulnerable and growing population. The aim of this literature review was to explore parents' experiences of community care after their premature infant is discharged home. After thematic analysis, three superordinate themes emerged: there is a lack of effective service provision for preterm infants and their parents in the community; there is a gap in the knowledge base of community professionals relating to preterm infants and; parents commend a multidisciplinary approach to their preterm infant and ongoing health needs. The review concludes that there is a need for enhanced community support and strengthening of community services for premature infants and their parents following discharge home. This is the first of a two-part article, the second of which will be published in a forthcoming issue.