title: Disrupted bonds - parental perceptions of regionalised transfer of very preterm infants: a small-scale study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Routine regionalised transfer of preterm infants occurs throughout Westernised countries. Transfer to lower acuity units occurs once infants are ready for convalescence and signals an infant's improving health. However, many parents find transfer traumatic.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To investigate parents' perceptions of preterm infants' transfer; to provide neonatal clinicians with insights to facilitate optimal service provision.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants had experienced their baby born at less than 29 weeks gestation, and subsequent transfer. Six parents were interviewed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were analysed using a general inductive approach.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three themes were interpreted through data analysis: NICU - incomparable haven; abandonment; and parental expertise side-lined. These themes represent a journey of interrupted identity that parents undergo when their baby is transferred to another unit.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite studies recommending more family-centred transfer planning, gaps persist. Nursing care might be enhanced by incorporating insight into parental experiences and promotion of collaborative changes within and between units.
authors.affiliation: a Auckland District Health Board , Auckland , New Zealand.
authors.forename: Claudia M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Sommer
authors.affiliation: b Massey University , School of Nursing , Albany , New Zealand.
authors.forename: Catherine M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Cook
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal; D008297:Male; D017283:Neonatal Nursing; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D010360:Patient Transfer; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: NICU; SCBU; back transfer; parental perceptions; preterm infants; regionalised transfer