A Scoping Review of Parental Experiences During Cooling Therapy.

Abstract

Title: A Scoping Review of Parental Experiences During Cooling Therapy. Background: In countries with high incomes, the prevalence of neonatal encephalopathy is estimated to be 1–2/1000 live births. With mortality rates between 10% and 60% and morbidity rates approaching 25% among survivors, the care provided to these newborns is merely supportive. Considering that therapeutic hypothermia is the only clinically effective neuroprotective treatment for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), outcomes have improved over the past ten years. However, little is known about how families feel about and react to this therapy and whether they are, appropriately, educated. According to the relatively limited current research, this therapy may, significantly, affect parent–child bonds. How well family members and healthcare providers communicate, and how well they cope, remains uncertain. Objectives: 1- To scope the literature on parental experience regarding cooling therapy due to HIE. Search strategies: A search of relevant published research was carried out in January 2023. The online databases CINAHL, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, National Library of Medicine, PubMed, and ScienceDirect were systematically searched. With the assistance of an expert librarian, a methodical search technique was developed. The MMAT quality appraisal checklists evaluated the quality of each study. Results: Eight studies were reviewed in total and each explored the perspectives and experiences of families. The methodological quality of these articles ranged from strong to moderate. The recommendations based on the studies presented address policy, practise, education, and future research. Conclusions: When identifying and treating infants with HIE, parents are essential. This scoping review identified themes that generate significant debate, including (1) Trauma and stress; (2) Families and health care providers’ communication during cooling; (3) The transition into parenthood; (4) Families’ education; and (5) Parental support services. However, the suggestions and experiences described in this analysis imply that parental experiences during cooling should be re-examined from the viewpoints of parents.