Abstract
Objective: To conduct a feasibility and acceptability study to examine if playing Tetris or using the Butterfly Hug / Safe Calm Place (BH/SCP) technique can be introduced into the Neonatal Unit to minimise post-traumatic stress symptoms.
Background: Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms (PTSS) are a significant problem in the Neonatal Unit (NNU) and beyond. Previous studies have considered EMDR (Eye movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) or the computer game Tetris in minimizing PTSS following a traumatic birth as they influence the storage of traumatic memories. It is proposed that the BH/SCP (a form of EMDR) or Tetris may be effective for preterm parents.
Participants: Up to forty-eight parents of infants born at 33+ 6 weeks gestation or less will be recruited. Each set of 6 parents will be allocated to care as usual, playing Tetris, using the BH/SCP technique, or using either / both techniques. Staff in the Neonatal Unit will also partake in focus group discussions at the end of the study.
Methods – Phase one: Participants are asked to use the allocated techniques when they feel anxious or stressed, at least once each day. Online surveys will be completed on recruitment and regularly during their time in the NNU to demonstrate efficacy. A final survey will be completed post-discharge.
Phase Two: Focus group discussions with parents and staff will address the acceptability, feasibility and perceptions of the techniques. Discussions shall undergo thematic content analysis to ascertain the feasibility and acceptability of the study.
Results: Initial findings from the control group support current literature regarding causes of parental trauma in the NNU. Results from the Butterfly Hug / Safe Calm Place group indicate an improvement in stress scores and post-traumatic stress symptoms post-discharge compared with the control group. Further results are awaited.
Word Count: 289
Background: Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms (PTSS) are a significant problem in the Neonatal Unit (NNU) and beyond. Previous studies have considered EMDR (Eye movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) or the computer game Tetris in minimizing PTSS following a traumatic birth as they influence the storage of traumatic memories. It is proposed that the BH/SCP (a form of EMDR) or Tetris may be effective for preterm parents.
Participants: Up to forty-eight parents of infants born at 33+ 6 weeks gestation or less will be recruited. Each set of 6 parents will be allocated to care as usual, playing Tetris, using the BH/SCP technique, or using either / both techniques. Staff in the Neonatal Unit will also partake in focus group discussions at the end of the study.
Methods – Phase one: Participants are asked to use the allocated techniques when they feel anxious or stressed, at least once each day. Online surveys will be completed on recruitment and regularly during their time in the NNU to demonstrate efficacy. A final survey will be completed post-discharge.
Phase Two: Focus group discussions with parents and staff will address the acceptability, feasibility and perceptions of the techniques. Discussions shall undergo thematic content analysis to ascertain the feasibility and acceptability of the study.
Results: Initial findings from the control group support current literature regarding causes of parental trauma in the NNU. Results from the Butterfly Hug / Safe Calm Place group indicate an improvement in stress scores and post-traumatic stress symptoms post-discharge compared with the control group. Further results are awaited.
Word Count: 289
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 05 Nov 2024 |
| Event | Neonatal Nurse Association Annual Conference 2024 - England, Derby, United Kingdom Duration: 05 Nov 2024 → 05 Nov 2024 |
Conference
| Conference | Neonatal Nurse Association Annual Conference 2024 |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
| City | Derby |
| Period | 05/11/2024 → 05/11/2024 |
Keywords
- Neonatal
- Butterfly Hug
- Tetris
- post-traumatic stress
- parent