Abstract

The present study aims to explore any differences in terms of emotional impact between visiting policies restricted vs. 24h open, among parents of children hospitalized in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Methods: Eleven parents of children admitted to NICU and 11 parents of children admitted to PICU compiled the Profile of Mood State (POMS) and the Stait-trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y). Results: Data were analyzed by performing Chi-Square. Results revealed that parents with restricted access reported significantly higher levels of anxiety. Findings underlined that anxiety levels are high in both groups, however, caregivers exposed to restricted visiting, condition showed more emotional dysregulation. Conclusion: The negative effects and the emotional impact of the restricted visiting policies, suggesting the emergence of a risk factor of psychological nature, which can negatively influence treatment outcomes in term of compliance and psychological health. The open access of parents is a relevant research field on humanization on hospital services and healthcare.

Keywords: Open and Restricted Hospital access, Parents-child relationship, Anxiety, Depression.