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Original research
Ref Number: APCP-OP-29

Implementing family-centred care in two level III Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Sri Lanka: Lessons from a pilot study

Nimesha Chamidani Gamhewage¹, Rishard Mohamed², Walpita Yasaswi², Gamaathige Nalin³, Janet Loshika², Mariani Ilaria⁴, Senanayake Hemantha², Lazzerini Marzia⁴
1- University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka 2- Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka 3- De Soysa Maternity Hospital for Women, Sri Lanka 4- WHO Collaborating Centre for Maternal and Child Health, Italy
Corresponding Author: Nimesha Chamidani Gamhewage (nimeshagamhewage@sjp.ac.lk)
Abstract Body
Introduction: Family-centred care (FCC) improves neonatal outcomes and parental wellbeing but is not implemented in Sri Lankan Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). High maternal psychological morbidity and limited maternal involvement in two tertiary NICUs highlighted the urgent need to introduce FCC. Objectives: To evaluate staff perceptions of the acceptability , appropriateness and feasibility of five interventions: empowering parents through education, routine maternal depression screening using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), promoting maternal participation in neonatal care, conducting family meetings before discharge, and implementing sibling visits. Methods: A multi-phase mixed-methods study was conducted. Culturally adapted FCC interventions were co-designed and implemented following staff training. Staff perceptions were assessed using a validated self-administered questionnaire. Qualitative interviews explored barriers to implementation. Results: Sixty-six of 85 staff responded (39.4% doctors, 60.6 % nurses), with over half having ≥5 years of NICU experience. More than 75% rated all interventions as acceptable. Over 70% considered parental education, EPDS screening, maternal participation, and family meetings before discharge appropriate, while 61% rated sibling visits appropriate. EPDS screening and family meetings before discharge were viewed as highly feasible (>75%), while other interventions were perceived as feasible by 55–62%. Key barriers included staff burnout, limited FCC training, and inadequate infrastructure. Conclusions: FCC interventions were viewed as acceptable and appropriate despite challenges. Low-cost strategies such as EPDS screening and discharge meetings can be readily implemented, while interventions requiring additional staff time or improvements in infrastructure may face feasibility constraints. Comprehensive and ongoing staff training is essential for the effective implementation.
Keywords: Family-centred care; Neonatal intensive care; Parental involvement
Presentation Type: Original research
Disclaimer: The Views and opinions expressed in the articles are of the authors and not of the journal.
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