Healthcare professionals’ perception of parents’ participation in the care of premature infants

Abstract

Objective: To describe parents’ participation in the care of premature newborns from the perspective of professionals working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Method: A descriptive qualitative study conducted in March 2025 with 26 professionals from the multidisciplinary team working in two Neonatal Intensive Care Units located in Maceió, Alagoas. The study was submitted to the Research Ethics Committee of the Universidade Federal de Alagoas, under Opinion 7,182,417. Results: From the analysis of the interviews, two categories emerged: “Between fear and discovery” and “Providing care and promoting bonding”. Professionals reported the inclusion of parents in the unit’s routine to reduce fear and expand benefits for the infant, especially through the kangaroo method. Conclusion: Fear and uncertainty hinder parents’ inclusion in care. Welcoming, guidance, and encouragement of care practices by the healthcare team may help overcome these barriers. Humanization policies are necessary to ensure shared responsibility in care.