Parent Q study
Attitudes of parents towards the treatment of extremely preterm infants
Background
The delivery of an extremely preterm infant (EPI) is incredibly stressful for parents. Information about their infants prospect of mortality and morbidity is provided by a range of healthcare professionals. Collaboration between neonatal and obstetric teams is vital to ensure parents receive consistent information. Previous research found variation between the attitudes of neonatal professionals towards the treatment of EPI’s, and whilst it is not clear whether attitudes affect practice, they have implications for why management and outcomes for EPIs vary throughout the country. Little consideration has been given to the attitudes of parents who are receiving this information, understanding their attitudes would inform healthcare professionals. Exploring whether parent attitudes differ from those of obstetric and neonatal teams would highlight barriers and opportunities towards communication between parents and healthcare professionals.
This study expands upon previous research to explore the attitudes of parents towards treatment of EPI’s using Q methodology. Participants sort statements relating to their prioritisation of factors involved in decision making for EPI’s from strongly agree to strongly disagree. Q factor analysis identifies clusters of attitudes towards the treatment of EPIs, and these can be compared within and between parent and professional groups to highlight opportunities to improve communication during high risk delivery.
Aim
The aim of this study is to explore the attitudes of parents towards the treatment of extremely preterm infants.
Method
In this study we will be asking parents to complete an online Q sort. A Q Sort questionnaire involves reading a series of statements and arranging them in order of agreement from ‘disagree’ to ‘agree’ on a grid.
Some of the statements are deliberately thought-provoking as they explore attitudes towards some of the ethical dilemmas experienced during neonatal care for extreme preterm babies. Some statements may be considered extreme or controversial, and you may find them difficult to read or upsetting, in particular if you have had an extremely preterm baby yourself.
Current progress
The study is currently open. If you would like to know more or take part in the study please follow the link.