title: The lived experience of fathers of preterm infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: a systematic review of qualitative studies.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To systematically review the experience of fathers of preterm infants hospitalised in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Family-centred care is more and more acknowledged in Neonatal Intensive Care Units, advocating for active engagement of both parents in the care journey. Nonetheless, fathers' Neonatal Intensive Care Unit experience has received limited research attention.
  
  
  METHODS
  Systematic review of qualitative studies.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four electronic databases (CINHAL, ISI Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus) were explored and studies published between 2000-2014 were included. Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tool for Qualitative Studies guidelines were adopted. Key themes were extracted and synthesised.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five main themes resuming fathers' experience of preterm birth and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit stay were identified from 14 studies. Themes were: emotional roller-coaster, paternal needs, coping strategies, self-representation and caregiving engagement. These dimensions were found to be dynamically shaped across three critical turning points: preterm birth, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit stay and at home.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Neonatal Intensive Care Unit fathers of preterm infants experience ambivalence, a set of different needs and coping strategies. They modify their self-representations along the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit journey and needs specific nursing support and intervention to sustain caregiving engagement and transition to parenthood.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A systematic and deepened understanding of preterms' fathers lived experience in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit would be helpful to inform nursing practice. Specific action priorities are suggested within the frame of family-centred care.
authors: 0-3 Center for the Study of Social Emotional Development of the at-Risk Infant, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, LC, Italy.
authors: Livio
authors: L
authors: Provenzi
authors: CRIdee, Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milano, Italy.
authors: Elena
authors: E
authors: Santoro
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D064648:Critical Care Nursing; D004644:Emotions; D005220:Fathers / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D008297:Male; D011181:Postnatal Care; D036301:Qualitative Research
keywords: Fathers; Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; PRISMA; parental experience; preterm infants; qualitative research; systematic review