Masters Thesis

Perception of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Experience: Families with infants diagnosed with craniofacial anomalies

Babies with cleft lip and/or palate and other craniofacial anomalies have structural differences, and they may encounter difficulties with feeding, swallowing, and even breathing. This could result in the infant being admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where services are provided by various healthcare professionals. The aim of this study was to examine parents’ perception of the NICU experience for infants with craniofacial anomalies. A survey research design was used with seven mothers and/or fathers of children with craniofacial anomalies who spent time in the NICU in the United States. The results showed participants’ answers varied; this may be due to differences in age, region, and diagnoses. Results showed a majority of participants (e.g., 71% or 5/7 participants) received limited (either not at all or to a small extent) education on communication cues or how to communicate with their infant. The participants were concerned about receiving additional resources as well as a plan for therapeutic services upon discharge from the NICU. Healthcare professionals should take action to improve education to families and access to resources for families of children with craniofacial anomalies in the NICU.

Items in ScholarWorks are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.