The Psychosocial Impact of COVID-19 on NICU Families

Visitation restrictions and limited access to mental health services due to COVID-19 have had a substantially additive effect to the stressors already felt by NICU families - who are at higher risk for Postpartum Depression, anxiety disorders and PTSD. Data suggests that poor parent mental health outcomes are associated with worse childhood developmental outcomes. In this presentation, we will learn more about the direct and indirect impact of Covid-19 on NICU families and explore strategies to provide family-centered care to support families during Covid-19 and beyond.             

Objectives:

-Understand the potential long-term impact of hospital visitation restrictions for NICU families

-Identify strategies to provide psychosocial support for NICU families during and after hospital discharge