Background: 

Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses need a better understanding of fathers' needs and perceptions in order to provide more family holistic care. Previous research aimed at exploring fathers' experiences in the NICU resulted in identifying some needs; however, these studies mostly occurred outside the United States where practices may differ. Therefore, research is needed to explore NICU fathers' needs within the United States.

Purpose: 

The purpose of this study was to explore the needs of fathers who previously had a premature infant in the NICU.

Methods: 

This qualitative descriptive study used semistructured interviews collected to obtain in-depth knowl-edge of fathers' needs in the NICU. Twenty-eight fathers were recruited through 3 parent support organizations: Hand to Hold, NICU Parent Support Network, and March of Dimes.

Results: 

Results revealed 3 themes: need for support, clarity and to be recognized.

Implications for Practice: 

Fathers have specific needs in the NICU that need to be addressed and that may differ from mothers. Awareness of addressing fathers' needs promotes more holistic care to fathers, supports coping within the NICU environment and the multifaceted impact of the experience, and helps them engage in the care of their infant.

Implications for Research: 

Further research is needed to explore the needs of fathers from diverse backgrounds and those who perceive to be or are less involved in their infant's care as well as their experiences and needs related to the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Comparative research is also needed to identify differences between mothers' and fathers' needs in order to determine interventions that promoting more holistic, family-centered care.

中文翻译：

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用他们自己的话来说新生儿重症监护室父亲的需求：定性描述性研究

背景： 

新生儿重症监护室 (NICU) 护士需要更好地了解父亲的需求和看法，以便提供更多的家庭整体护理。以前的研究旨在探索父亲在新生儿重症监护室的经历，从而确定了一些需求；然而，这些研究大多发生在美国以外的地方，那里的做法可能有所不同。因此，需要研究来探索美国 NICU 父亲的需求。

目的： 

本研究的目的是探讨以前在新生儿重症监护室有早产儿的父亲的需求。

方法： 

这项定性描述性研究使用收集的半结构化访谈来深入了解 NICU 中父亲的需求。通过 3 个家长支持组织招募了 28 名父亲：Hand to Hold、NICU Parent Support Network 和 March of Dimes。

结果： 

结果揭示了三个主题：需要支持、清晰和被认可。

对实践的影响： 

父亲在新生儿重症监护病房中有需要解决的特殊需求，这可能与母亲不同。满足父亲需求的意识促进了对父亲的更全面的护理，支持在新生儿重症监护室环境中应对和体验的多方面影响，并帮助他们参与对婴儿的护理。

对研究的影响： 

需要进一步研究来探索来自不同背景的父亲和那些认为参与或较少参与婴儿护理的父亲的需求，以及他们与最近的 COVID-19 大流行相关的经历和需求。还需要进行比较研究来确定母亲和父亲需求之间的差异，以确定促进更全面、以家庭为中心的护理的干预措施。