Objective
To describe nursing actions implemented in a home context for the needs presented by the families of extremely low birth weight newborns.
Methods
This convergent care research was carried out with nine families who were visited in their home. For data collection we used semi-structured informal interviews and observation of participants during the first six months after hospital discharge. Data were analyzed using the thematic modality.
Results
Care needs of families during daily home care were related mainly to doubts and insecurities specific to extremely low birth weight premature babies and the care and guidance required for follow-up of newborns in general.
Conclusion
Nursing actions in a home context involve child evaluation, guidance, demonstrations, clarifications, referrals, and stimulation for puericulture follow-up with specialists. These actions also include facilitating family empowerment and gradual autonomy of care.
Pediatric nursing; Maternal-child nursing; Infant; very low birth weigth; Home nursing; Nursing care