Emotional distress in mothers of preterm hospitalized infants: A feasibility trial of nurse-delivered treatment

OBJECTIVE: Mothers of preterm infants in a hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are at risk for clinically significant depression and anxiety but, for these women, their own treatment is likely a secondary priority. This study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of an evidence-based, nurse-delivered, on-site depression treatment: Listening Visits. STUDY DESIGN: Therapeutic Listening Visits were delivered on site to 23 distressed mothers of NICU infants. The intervention was conducted by a neonatal nurse practitioner; and the outcome examined in an open-trial, pre-post evaluation. RESULTS: A part-time nurse practitioner delivered six Listening Visits to each participant within a one-month timeframe. Listening Visits were associated with significantly improved mood and well-being in mothers. The majority of eligible women took advantage of Listening Visits and felt satisfied with their care. CONCLUSIONS: This open trial provides “proof of concept”, with results that warrant further evaluation in a multisite randomized controlled trial.