Abstract
Maternal adjustment to the birth and transport of a high risk infant can be facilitated by the use of videotape. Concerns about the infant's health, accompanied by anticipatory grieving, depression, and self deprecation reduce the mother's capacity to cope and to maintain emotional investment in her infant.
Seventeen mothers were randomized into a trial designed to assess the impact of videotaped visits. Nine study mothers viewed a videotaped miniprogram of their babies and the support team within 36 hrs. of transport, in addition to standard daily communication. Eight control mothers received only standard support. Prior to discharge, all mothers were evaluated by a questionnaire (Benfield, 1976) to assess anticipatory grief and affective and behavioral reactions following the baby's transport.
Results indicate significantly lower anticipatory grief scores (P<0.05) among the study group. All mothers reported that the tape helped them feel their baby was getting good care, and that the team understood their importance to the baby "to a great degree". Eight of 9 reported that the tape improved their outlook about the baby's future and their understanding of the infant's condition and special needs. Responses to open ended questions confirmed the positive quality of this experience. In our study population, the videotape improved communication between mother and staff and helped prepare her for her visit to the ICN.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Hiatt, D., Soto, E., Marotta, F. et al. USE OF THE VIDEOTAPE IN THE INTENSIVE CARE NURSERY. Pediatr Res 18 (Suppl 4), 326 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-01397
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-01397