Co-Designing a Peer Support Program for NICU Parents Using a Participatory Action Research Approach

Aim: To co-design an appropriate and sustainable parental peer-to-peer support program in a level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with all relevant interest holders. Methods: Seven veteran parents and 11 NICU healthcare professionals (HCPs) collaborated in this participatory action research (PAR). Seven co-design sessions explored the content of peer support, organisational aspects, and the selection and training of peer supporters. Data were collected through audio recordings and written materials and analysed thematically using both inductive and deductive approaches. Results: Veteran parents emphasised the importance of peer support in providing emotional support, empowering NICU parents, providing practical advice for daily life and referring to (non-)professional support. NICU HCPs identified feasible opportunities within the organisation, taking the department's available resources into account. Participants highlighted the need for multiple forms of peer support, tailored to changing parental needs during the NICU admission and clear boundaries between the roles of the NICU HCPs and the peer supporters. The importance of training and ongoing supervision was also pointed out. Conclusion: This study resulted in a framework for a parental peer support program, developed in collaboration with veteran parents and NICU HCPs. The findings provide recommendations for implementing a peer support program in similar NICU settings.