Abstract
Objective: To conduct a feasibility and acceptability study, randomizing participants to one of the two treatments.
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. It is proposed that EMDR or Tetris may be effective for preterm parents.
Participants: Thirty sets of parents of infants born at 33+ 6 weeks gestation or less will be recruited. The interventions will be randomly assigned to the butterfly hug / safe calm place technique or Tetris.
Methods – Phase one: Participants are asked to play Tetris for a minimum of 20 minutes daily during their baby’s stay in the NNU. Those assigned the Butterfly Hug / Safe calm place form of EMDR will do so six times each day (minimum). Online surveys will be completed on recruitment and regularly during their time in the NNU. A final survey will be completed 2-4 weeks post-discharge.
Phase Two: Five focus groups for parents and neonatal staff will encourage discussion of their perceptions of the interventions. Discussions shall undergo thematic content analysis to ascertain the feasibility and acceptability of the study.
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. It is proposed that EMDR or Tetris may be effective for preterm parents.
Participants: Thirty sets of parents of infants born at 33+ 6 weeks gestation or less will be recruited. The interventions will be randomly assigned to the butterfly hug / safe calm place technique or Tetris.
Methods – Phase one: Participants are asked to play Tetris for a minimum of 20 minutes daily during their baby’s stay in the NNU. Those assigned the Butterfly Hug / Safe calm place form of EMDR will do so six times each day (minimum). Online surveys will be completed on recruitment and regularly during their time in the NNU. A final survey will be completed 2-4 weeks post-discharge.
Phase Two: Five focus groups for parents and neonatal staff will encourage discussion of their perceptions of the interventions. Discussions shall undergo thematic content analysis to ascertain the feasibility and acceptability of the study.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 2023 |
| Event | 3rd UU/QUB Doctoral Collaborative Conference 2023 - Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom Duration: 03 May 2023 → 03 May 2023 |
Conference
| Conference | 3rd UU/QUB Doctoral Collaborative Conference 2023 |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | 3DDC |
| Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
| City | Belfast |
| Period | 03/05/2023 → 03/05/2023 |
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Dive into the research topics of 'EMDR versus Tetris: minimizing post-traumatic stress symptoms of parents in the Neonatal Unit'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Student theses
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Butterfly hug / safe calm place technique versus Tetris – a sequential mixed method feasibility study examining the acceptability of techniques to minimise post-traumatic stress symptoms of parents in the Neonatal Unit
Craig, V. E. M. (Author), Boyle, B. (Supervisor) & McLaughlin, D. (Supervisor), Jul 2026Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis › Doctor of Philosophy
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