Reflections on developing a protocol for pre and debriefs on a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)

Publication date: Available online 7 February 2020Source: Journal of Neonatal NursingAuthor(s): Sarah-Jane Archibald, Sara O'CurryAbstractStaff working on NICUs are often the ones who witness and experience traumatic responses from parents and families, as well as having to care for some of the sickest babies in the country. They are frequently faced with significant ethical dilemmas and are therefore exposed to traumatic situations, including management of the baby's medical needs and exposure to death. One way of meeting the emotional wellbeing needs of staff is for NICUs to offer prebriefs and debriefs. However, the literature is limited in terms of pre and debrief protocols specifically for staff on NICUs. The following presents an overview of a pre and debrief protocol which was custom developed to support staff working on a level-three Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The protocol reflects a psychologically informed model for supporting individuals who have experienced a traumatic event. This includes consideration for the promotion of 1. a sense of safety, 2. calming, 3. a sense of self-and community efficacy, 4. connectedness, and 5, hope. Themes are discussed in terms of staff's experiences of this protocol, as well as consideration of implications for future clinical practice for other NICUs that may be considering using this protocol when running pre and debriefs.
Source: Journal of Neonatal Nursing - Category: Perinatology & Neonatology Source Type: research