Thesis Defence: What Are Fathers’ Preferences for Digital Support to Facilitate The Transition From the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to Home?

Samira Kheirdariyar, supervised by Dr. Elizabeth Keys, will defend their thesis titled “What Are Fathers’ Preferences for Digital Support to Facilitate The Transition From the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to Home?” in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies – Global Studies theme.

An abstract for Samira Kheirdariyar’s thesis is included below.

Defences are open to all members of the campus community as well as the general public. Please email Elizabeth.Keys@ubc.ca to receive the Zoom link for this defence.

Abstract

When infants are born prematurely or need special medical care, they often spend time in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This experience can be stressful and overwhelming for parents, and fathers may experience uncertainty about their role and how best to support their baby and partner.This study explored fathers’ preferences and perspectives regarding digital supports during the transition from the NICU to home. Through interviews with fathers whose infants had been discharged from the NICU in the past four years, the study examined their preferences and experiences with receiving information and emotional support via digital platforms. The findings showed that fathers often feel anxious, unprepared, and under-supported when bringing their baby home from the NICU. Many fathers relied on multiple sources of support, including their partners, healthcare providers, family members, and online information. However, support was often inconsistent, and fathers frequently had to search for information on their own. Fathers expressed a strong preference for digital supports that provide clear, reliable, and easy-to access information, emotional support, and practical guidance. They also emphasized that digital supports should not replace healthcare providers but should work alongside them to provide reassurance and guidance when needed. This study highlights the need for digital health supports that are designed specifically for fathers and recognize their important role in caring for their infants. By providing accessible, trustworthy, and father-inclusive support, these supports can help fathers feel more confident, reduce stress, and improve the overall well-being of families during the transition from the NICU to home.