The explored experiences of Latino families in the neonatal intensive care unit

BACKGROUND: While many families experience multiple etiologies of stress during a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, unique stressors arise for certain groups that are at higher risk for disparities in infant outcomes, including Latino families. The objective of this study was to explore the experiences of Latino families regarding support received in the NICU while their infant was hospitalized to identify ways to enhance the quality of care. METHODS: Qualitative study to explore the NICU experience of Latino families through semi-structured interviews and focus groups (FGs) in English or Spanish. Inclusion criteria were self-identification as a Latino family member, English or Spanish speaking, and NICU admission between January 2020-February 2022. Recorded transcripts underwent reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Eight interviews and four FGs were conducted with a total of 20 family members. Themes were categorized as "Experiences" and "Recommendations." Experience themes included: challenges with information sharing, altered provider relationships in the setting of language discordance, language barriers, threats to trust, contributors to stress, and barriers to parent support and family cohesion. Recommendation themes included: inform and engage families (e.g., bilingual resources, orientation to parenting role, inclusion in decision making), address concerns, offer support (e.g., emotional and psychological), and create an inclusive environment. CONCLUSION: Latino families with recent NICU admissions highlighted their personal and witnessed experiences of language discordance and the impact on information sharing, provider and nurse relationships, and parental support. Families recommended practical strategies to uphold trust and improve the quality of care, including engaging families, providing adequate information, addressing their concerns, providing support, and fostering a language accessible environment.