Research conducted by the Neuroimaging Group and Bliss highlights the positive impact of parental involvement in neonatal care. The study emphasizes the emotional benefits for parents and the importance of involving parents in their babies' care.
The Positive Impact of Parental Involvement in Neonatal Care
( Credit to: News-medical )
Recent research conducted by the Neuroimaging Group and Bliss has highlighted the significant positive impact of parental involvement in neonatal care. This research emphasizes the emotional benefits for parents and the crucial role they can play in their babies' care.
The study, published in the Lancet Child & Adolescent Health and Pain, specifically focused on assessing the effectiveness of parental touch in providing pain relief during a heel-prick procedure. While there was no difference in the babies' physical responses to pain, the study found that parents reported positive emotions such as feeling useful and reassured, and experienced an overall decrease in anxiety after participating in their child's care.
Empowering Parents with New Resources
In response to these research findings, the Neuroimaging Group and Bliss have collaborated to develop a comprehensive suite of resources aimed at empowering parents in neonatal care. These resources include informative videos, FAQs, and online content that provide guidance on various ways parents can touch and comfort their babies during painful procedures on the neonatal unit.
The resources emphasize the importance of skin-to-skin care and are freely accessible online, ensuring that parents have the knowledge and confidence to actively participate in their babies' care.
Expert Commentary on the Research
Ruth Guinsburg, in an accompanying editorial in the Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, commended the study for its excellent research design. She emphasized the importance of trials like this in evaluating the efficacy of traditional aspects of parental care and incorporating them into neonatal care practices.
Dr. Rebeccah Slater, Professor of Pediatric Neuroscience and Senior Wellcome Fellow, expressed her satisfaction in working with parents, babies, and healthcare professionals to support premature and sick babies during painful procedures. The collaboration with Bliss has improved the quality of research and engagement with families, with a commitment to finding new ways to support parents and their babies.
Future Implications and Conclusion
The research conducted by the Neuroimaging Group highlights the importance of involving parents in providing care and comfort to relieve their child's pain. Future studies can build upon these insights, including the positive parental experiences observed in this trial. Prospective research may consider a more spontaneous approach, allowing parents to stroke their child at their own pace for as long as needed to calm and comfort them.
In conclusion, empowering parents in neonatal care has shown to have a positive impact on both parents and babies. The launch of new resources by the Neuroimaging Group and Bliss is a significant step towards ensuring parents feel confident and involved in their babies' care. Through ongoing research and collaboration, the aim is to continue improving neonatal care practices and supporting families during these challenging times.