Objective: To test our hypothesis that an innovative method of early palliative care called "Baby, Attachment, Comfort Interventions" reduces psychological distress in parents of neonates with congenital heart disease.
Study design: Prospective cohort study of parents of neonates with congenital heart disease. Distress was evaluated at admission and discharge using Neonatal Unit Parental Stressor Scale and Depression Anxiety Stress Index-21. Control parents received standard of care. Intervention parents received interdisciplinary interventions aimed at improving neonatal comfort and parenting experience.
Results: Seventy-seven parents participated. Stress decreased in the intervention group (26 parents) but not in the control group (51 parents). There was no decrease in anxiety or depression in either group.
Conclusion: Early palliative care reduces stress in parents of neonates with congenital heart disease. Further work is needed to address depression/anxiety in this group of high-risk parents.