Neuroprotective Core Measure 2: Partnering with Families - Exploratory Study on Web-camera Viewing of Hospitalized Infants and the Effect on Parental Stress, Anxiety, and Bonding

The purpose of this study was to examine and describe potential relationships between total web-camera viewing of hospitalized infants, parental stress, anxiety, and bonding scores. Forty-two parents with a hospitalized infant that used web-cameras participated. Measures of stress, anxiety, and bonding were administered at baseline, one week, and two weeks after web-camera use was initiated. Four open-ended questions provided qualitative data. No significant relationship was found between anxiety or bonding and the minutes viewing the infant over web-camera. There was a correlation between Parental Stressor Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and minutes viewing the infant and maximum minutes viewing all three times. Qualitative data provided three themes: parents preferred to be in person versus web-camera, overall positive impact on stress and anxiety, and parents want to be with their baby to bond. This pilot study provides an initial exploration of the implications of web-camera use in the NICU environment.