| Abstract [eng] |
Introduction. The hospitalization of newborns in intensive care units or neonatal wards due to serious health conditions significantly affects their parents' psychological well-being. Having recognized the pivotal role of family-centered care and the latest instruments available, researchers have been investigating the experience and quality of care within the neonatal setting. Studies of the kind are still scarce in Lithuania; therefore, this article introduces the topic of measuring satisfaction of parents whose infants were hospitalized in the Center of Neonatology of Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos (VUL SK). This study aims to evaluate parental experiences and satisfaction with neonatal care services, with the goal of assessing the quality and sufficiency of information provided to parents about their newborns, evaluating parents’ perceptions of the quality of neonatal care and treatment, measuring the extent of parental involvement in the care process and analyzing opinions on ward organization and professional attitude of the medical staff. Methods. The study was conducted surveying parents whose newborns were discharged from the Neonatology Center of VUL SK from February to April 2025. The survey was based on the EMPATHIC-N and EMPATHIC-30 tools, containing 30 statements grouped into five domains: Information, Care and Treatment, Parental Participation, Organization, and Professional Attitude. Responses were rated on a 6-point Likert scale. Statistical analyses included Cronbach’s alpha, Pearson rank correlation index, and Welch’s T-test for mean comparison using Minitab Statistical Software. Results. A total of 54 surveys were gathered. The overall internal consistency of the questionnaire was high (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.93) and over 0.7 among each separate domain with a desirable value of inter-item correlation. Parents reported highest satisfaction in the domains of Information, Organization, and Professional Attitude. Lower scores were observed in the Parental Participation domain, particularly regarding their participation in decision-making and being present during intensive procedures. Notably, parents lacked daily conversations about their wellbeing with the neonatal care team. Statistically significant differences in satisfaction levels were not observed between departments (NICU vs. standard neonatal unit), but a discrepancy in information sharing was found in comparison between respondent genders. Conclusions. The study in VUL SK highlighted both strengths (Information, Organization, Professional Attitude) and areas for improvement (Care and Treatment, Parental Participation) in neonatal care. While information transparency as well as professional conduct were well-rated, irregularities in parental involvement indicated a need for enhanced integration and parent satisfaction-oriented strategies. These findings support further development of family-centered care practices and underline the importance of routine psychosocial assessment in neonatal units. |
