Abstract
Objective
to understand the experienced world of the father of a hospitalized preterm child through a photographic record.
Method
this qualitative study was based on the theoretical and methodological framework of Schütz's Social Phenomenology. Nine parents with children admitted to one of the two neonatal units (NICU/ICU), with gestational age below 37 weeks, whose birth occurred between November 2018 and April 2019, participated in this study.
Results
after the analysis and interpretation of the data collected, two thematic units emerged: Experiencing moments of the preterm child's hospitalization “reasons why”, which resulted in the category Privilege in recording the evolution of the preterm child; What to look for in the photographic record when facing the moment of hospitalization of the preterm child “reasons why”, which resulted in the categories Happiness: a joy in every record; Memories: remembering in every record.
Final considerations
the use of photographic records proved to be a method that provided the opportunity to understand that the father wants to be close to his child and experience the moment of hospitalization. Thus, it is necessary that professionals develop strategies that enable the father to exercise paternity and promote the bond with his child in the neonatal unit.
Keywords:
Father; Premature Newborn; Neonatal Nursing; Photography; Humanization of Care