Social support as identified by a father who experiences the hospital stay of his newborn and wife in an intensive care unit

Abstract

This article analyses how social support is perceived by a parent (father) during the hospital stay of his premature newborn son and his wife in an intensive care unit (ICU). The methodological reference was the history presented orally. Data was collected through recorded interviews with six parents (fathers) as narratives, and analyzed using Vaux´s social support theory. Parents (fathers) recognized the dedication and care given to babies and mothers by the health team. On the other hand, they pointed to lack of adequate communication given by these professionals. This study underlines the need to rethink nursing care.