Fathers' experiences of nurses' roles and care practices during their preterm infant's stay in the neonatal intensive care unit

Introduction: Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses play a crucial role in providing infant care, as well as in bridging the communication gap with parents. Aim: Explore fathers' perceptions and interactions with nurses during their preterm infants' stay in a NICU. Design: Qualitative study using ethnographic data collection techniques. Methods: Twenty fathers of preterm infants were purposively sampled in a level III NICU in Italy. Data collection comprised 120 h of participant observation, 68 informal conversations, and 20 semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was performed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Analysis revealed five primary themes: (i) communication and clarity about infants' health condition and progress, (ii) inclusiveness and guidance from nurses, (iii) fathers' satisfaction with nurses' support for mother, (iv) nurses' personal attention to the babies, and (v) nurses' varied personalities. Conclusion: Nurses are crucial in facilitating father-infant bonding in the NICU. Although the content of nurse communication is critical for fathers, the delivery style becomes especially relevant during their infant's hospitalization. Discrepancies in messages and guidance can negatively impact fatherly confidence and their ability to care for their preterm infants and support partners. Thus, training that emphasizes the recognition of the unique ways that fathers exhibit distress is crucial. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Nurses play a critical role in shaping the fathers' experiences in NICU. Emphasizing clear communication and individualized care is vital. To strengthen father support in NICU settings, recommended approaches include regular training, holistic care, fostering inclusivity, emotional support, and improving bonding opportunities. Reporting Method: Adherence to the COREQ guidelines.