Dien, Rachael2019-09-262019-09-262019-09-23Dien, R. (2019). Exploring Mothers’ Experiences and Perceptions of Alberta FICare©™ Compared to Standard Care. Final report and reflection. Program for Undergraduate Research Experience (PURE), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta. 1-8.http://hdl.handle.net/1880/111093https://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/37154Background: Alberta’s preterm (<37 weeks gestation) birth rate is consistently among the highest of the Canadian provinces. The majority of preterm infants require care in a level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). NICUs are highly-technological critical care environments that can be overwhelming for parents during an already stressful time. Alberta FICare©™ is a theoretically-driven, psychoeducational model of care that provides detailed strategies and practical tools to integrate parents in the care of their infant in the NICU from time of admission. The components of Alberta FICare©™ are: 1) Relational Communication, 2) Parent Education, and 3) Parent Support. Parental experiences of FICare have not been evaluated. Objective: The objective of this qualitative sub-study was to explore mothers’ experiences of FICare compared to standard care using data from the Alberta FICare©™ cluster randomized controlled trial. Method: Mothers from FICare (n=13) and standard care (n=13) sites participated in semi-structured interviews. A subset (n=7 FICare; n=5 standard care) of transcripts were coded and analyzed using the grounded theory methodology of Strauss and Corbin. Results: Preliminary analysis revealed the process of “Getting Home”. In the FICare group this was facilitated by parent integration in bedside rounds (BSR), experiential learning, formal and informal supports, and feeling self-efficacious in providing infant care. In contrast, parent integration in BSR and self-efficacy did not emerge as strongly in the standard care group, and mothers spoke about a lack of tangible supports and the challenges of the NICU environment. Mothers from both groups talked about the challenges to continuity and consistency of care, but those in the FICare group also highlighted communication and information-sharing that takes place in parent-healthcare provider interactions. Conclusion: This sub-study increase our understanding of mothers’ experiences of Alberta FICare©™ and may inform enhancements to family-centred care practices in level II NICUs.engother