This study investigated whether allowing parents to witness retinopathy of prematurity (RoP) examinations influences their levels of anxiety, depression and hopelessness, in addition to potential differences in psychological outcomes between parents of infants with and without RoP, and between fathers and mothers. This was a prospective cross-sectional study at 2 tertiary referral centres with each acting as a separate group for the study. In 1 centre (parent group 1), parents were allowed to enter the examination room and actively participate in comforting their infant. In the second centre (parent group 2), parents were not allowed to be present in the examination room. The study included 123 parents. Group 1 had 50 mothers and 15 fathers, and group 2 had 33 mothers and 25 fathers. Parents completed the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory and the Beck Hopelessness Scale immediately after the first examination. Overall, no differences were found between groups at baseline except for the proportion of mothers. After examination, no significant differences were found between groups of anxiety, depression and hopelessness levels. Psychological outcomes did not differ. However, significant differences were found for mothers vs fathers for anxiety and depression, in both groups but not for hopelessness levels. Prolonged neonatal intensive care unit stay was also found to contribute to levels of anxiety and depression. On the basis of these findings, the authors take the approach that individual preferences and informed decision-making play a crucial role in deciding parent involvement in medical procedures. Adequate preparation and support can enhance parent understanding of the condition and increase trust in the medical team.
To involve or not to involve parents in the RoP examination of infants
Reviewed by Fiona Rowe
A comparative analysis of anxiety, depression and hopelessness levels in parents after retinopathy of prematurity examination.
CONTRIBUTOR
Fiona Rowe (Prof)
Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, UK.
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