Neonatal nurses' perception of the prevalence of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in parents whose infants are admitted to a neonatal unit in Northern Ireland

To explore neonatal nurses’ perceptions of the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among mothers and fathers whose infants are admitted to neonatal units (NNUs) in Northern Ireland, and to identify stressors nurses believe contribute to parental trauma. A purposive sample of 61 neonatal nurses attending a regional Neonatal Nurses Association conference in April 2024 completed an anonymous five-question digital survey via QR code. Quantitative responses were summarised descriptively. Open-text responses (n = 121) were analysed using inductive content analysis to identify perceived trauma triggers. Response rates ranged from 42/61 (68.9%) to 51/61 (83.6%). All respondents (42/42; 100%) agreed that parents experience trauma during NNU admission. Most nurses estimated maternal PTSD prevalence within the 71–80% range and paternal prevalence within the 61–70% range. Content analysis identified five domains of perceived trauma: Separation and Disconnection from the Baby (42/121; 35%), Clinical Procedures and Interventions (33/121; 27%), Unexpected and Critical Situations (23/121; 19%), Emotional Responses to Neonatal Parenting (14/121; 12%), and Neonatal Environment and Stimuli (9/121; 7%). The majority (45/51; 88%) perceived perinatal mental health provision for neonatal parents in Northern Ireland to be inadequate. Neonatal nurses perceive high levels of parental distress and identify separation, invasive procedures, and emergency events as key contributors to trauma. Although findings reflect professional perception rather than measured prevalence, they highlight awareness of parental psychological vulnerability and perceived gaps in mental health support within neonatal services.