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DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1678557
Mindfulness Training among Parents with Preterm Neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Pilot Study
Funding None.Publication History
09 August 2018
20 December 2018
Publication Date:
31 January 2019 (online)
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the feasibility of a mindfulness-based training session (MBTS) for parents of neonates born at ≤32 weeks' gestation in a level 3 neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Study Design Within 14 days of admission, parents completed the Parental Stressor Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Questionnaire (PSS:NICU), Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale (CAMS-R), and a survey on stress management techniques. Parents then participated in a MBTS with instruction in mindfulness-based practices and were asked to practice the techniques during the NICU stay. At discharge, parents repeated the surveys to evaluate their mindfulness-based practice experience.
Results Of the 98 parents approached, 51 consented to participate (52%). Of these, 28 completed MBTS, initial, and discharge surveys. One parent had previously practiced mindfulness. The majority of parents (79%) reported that mindfulness practice was helpful, and 71% stated that they would continue their practice after NICU discharge. There was no difference in PSS:NICU or CAMS-R at discharge.
Conclusion An MBTS was feasible to provide to parents in our NICU. Parents practiced the mindfulness-based techniques and reported benefit from their mindfulness-based practice. Future studies are needed to evaluate if an MBTS is a valuable resource for NICU parents' coping.