Parental perceptions on antenatal information about extremely preterm birth: A qualitative study

Aim: Antenatal information is essential for families facing the possibility of an extremely preterm (EPT) birth. Their informa-tion needs are not always clear and communication can be challenging during this stressful, uncertain time. We explored paren-tal perceptions about antenatal information pro...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Solís García, Gonzalo, Valladares Salado, Laura, Bravo, María Carmen, Sánchez-Holgado, María, López Magallon, Sara, Zozaya, Carlos, Fernandez Sánchez, Aránzazu, López Sánchez, Francisco, Pellicer Martínez, Adelina
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2026
País:España
Institución:Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
Repositorio:Biblos-e Archivo. Repositorio Institucional de la UAM
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:dnet:biblosearchi::5faf9da7d5c5fdf9c411cf8a43e4db33
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/10486/777580
https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/apa.70613
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:antenatal information
decision-making
edge of viability
extremely preterm
parental perceptions
Medicina
Descripción
Sumario:Aim: Antenatal information is essential for families facing the possibility of an extremely preterm (EPT) birth. Their informa-tion needs are not always clear and communication can be challenging during this stressful, uncertain time. We explored paren-tal perceptions about antenatal information provided during perinatal counselling about EPT births. Methods: This Spanish qualitative study comprised parents of infants born between 23 + 0 and 26 + 6 weeks of gestation in2023–2024, who received antenatal counselling in a tertiary setting. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 familiesafter their infants were discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit. These were analysed using inductive thematic analysis,in which themes and subthemes were identified. Results: Four main themes emerged. These were: making sense of complex antenatal information, the key roles of context andcommunication style, emotional journeys around extreme prematurity and supporting better perinatal care. Satisfaction withcounselling was generally high, but parents wanted more practical, empathic approaches that respected their individual valuesand supported their emotional needs. There were wide variations in the level of detail required. Conclusion: Effective antenatal counselling about EPT births should empower parents by respecting their values, supportingtheir emotional needs and providing resources for informed decision-making