Perspectives on Implementing European Newborn Health Standards: Insights From Parent Representatives and Healthcare Professionals

AIM: To address disparities in the care for preterm infants, the European Standards of Care for Newborn Health were developed in a co-creation process. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of their implementation state based on the perspectives of parent representatives and healthcare professionals (HCPs), including implementation barriers and facilitators. METHODS: Online questionnaires were developed and pre-tested to assess validity/usability. Representatives of parent organisations and healthcare societies participated. Data were analysed using descriptive and qualitative content analyses. RESULTS: Overall, 23 parent representatives and 76 HCPs from 24 countries participated. Regarding implementation gaps, parents mentioned Follow-up care (14/23) and NICU design (13/23). HCPs selected Infant- and family-centred developmental care (34/76), also being considered as the most urgent priority by both groups (16/23; 34/76). Medical care and Birth and transfer were seen as implementation successes by both groups (parents: 14/23 & 11/23; HCPs: 46/76 & 50/76). Most frequently mentioned barriers included missing resources and inadequate infrastructure. Information dissemination, interdisciplinary collaboration and training opportunities were considered facilitators. CONCLUSION: The implementation state varied across topics, with parents and HCPs being frequently of the same opinion. Strengthening collaboration among stakeholders could provide an opportunity to improve future implementation efforts.