Nursing support perceived by mothers of preterm infants in a neonatal intensive care unit in South Korea

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to clarify and define the concept of nursing support as perceived by mothers of preterm infants. METHODS: The research was conducted using Schwartz-Barcott and Kim's hybrid model. Sixteen articles were analyzed during the theoretical phase. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 mothers of preterm infants in the fieldwork phase. In the final analytical phase, the attributes of nursing support were defined. RESULTS: There were four themes and 10 attributes of nursing support as perceived by mothers of preterm infants. Professional care and emotional care for the baby were identified as attributes of baby care support. Information related to the disease, inpatient environment, baby's daily hospital life, and mother-centered care were identified as attributes of information delivery support. Empathy for mothers and therapeutic communication with the mother were identified as attributes for mental care support. Lastly, providing a chance for the mother to take care of the baby and reinforcement of the maternal role were identified as attributes of maternal role support. CONCLUSION: The 10 attributes of this study could provide a base for the development of a nursing support instrument and practical guidelines for mothers in neonatal intensive care units.