Parental experiences of the neonatal transfer process.

BACKGROUND

Parental feedback rates of the neonatal transfer process are 9-11% in the UK. Only clinical and logistical quality markers currently exist to benchmark transport teams. The aims were to: explore parental experiences of the neonatal transfer process, determine ways to improve parental feedback rates about the transfer process and develop potential family centred transport quality markers.

METHODS

A mixed study design (qualitative and quantitative) involving parents who had experienced the neonatal transfer process using semistructured group interviews (n = 5) and a structured survey (n = 453). Thematic analysis was performed on the results.

RESULTS

74.6% parents were satisfied with their overall experience, 53% parents travelled with their babies, 52.6% parents felt involved in the transport process and 9% parents reported giving feedback to the transport team. The most frequently reported areas of importance included parental involvement and travelling with their baby, communication and information provision, logistics and mental health effects. Neonatal transfers were reported to have long lasting impacts on mental health by several parents.

CONCLUSIONS

Satisfaction rates for the transfer process were high, however improvements were suggested by many respondents regarding communication, logistics and family centred care. Development of parental experience quality markers for neonatal transport may improve this.

IMPACT QUESTIONS

Parental satisfaction with the neonatal transfer process in the UK is high Areas to improve upon include parents travelling with their baby and involvement in their care, communication and logistics There are mental health impacts from the transfer process alone This is the biggest published study of it's type and highlights areas for transport teams and the wider network to collaboratively work on to improve family centred experiences as well as some suggested family centred quality markers.