Commentary on: Eriksson E, Lundqvist P, & Jönsson L. (2024). Fathers’ experiences 6 months after their preterm infant’s discharge from the NICU. Compr Child Adolesc Nurs, 47(3), 1-10. doi: 10.1080/24694193.2024.2406209
Implications for practice and research When healthcare professionals involve fathers in decision-making and routine care, fathers feel empowered, supported, included and secure in their role. Mental health screening tools can identify barriers to emotional openness among fathers in the NICU, promoting providers’ understanding of the unique challenges of the paternal role and illuminating topics for future research.
While there is minimal literature regarding the lived experience of fathers with infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), paternal involvement is associated with reduced length of hospitalisation and improved weight gain.