Meta-Analysis of eVisit Technology on Psychological Anxiety and Factors Influencing the Parents of NICU Newborns.

Background: Due to the geographical distance, work obligations, and parenting responsibilities, it is often difficult for parents to visit the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Limited parent presence might also constrain updates about infant status thus increasing anxiety, which potentially leads to a stronger necessity for visitation.

Purpose: Examine the evidence for use of electronic visit (eVisit) technology for parents of newborns in NICU, for example, do eVisits decrease anxiety and are there other factors that demonstrate effectiveness.

Data sources: Seven databases were used to search for evidence from 1 January 2000 to 13 November 2023.

Study selection: Studies were included with terms related to eHealth, NICU, infant, parent and 41 eligible studies were assessed.

Data extraction: Data were extracted by 2 reviewers with a systematic-staged review approach.

Results: Eight studies with a total of 1450 cases were included. Results of meta-analysis showed that eVisit technology improved anxiety compared with conventional visitation (MD = - 5.04, 95% CI [-5.92, - 4.17], P < .01) and hospitalization satisfaction (RR = 1.09, 95% CI [1.05, 1.13], P < .01), but the effect was not significant with regard to reduction in infant length of stay (MD = - 1.07, 95% CI [-5.39, 3.25], P = .63).

Implications for practice and research: A large sample, high-quality, multi-centered randomized controlled study needs to be conducted to validate the effect of eVisit technology on the psychological state of parents, implications for nursing practice as well as potential newborn affects to improve future ease of use.

Video abstract: Available for more insights from the authors. This video shows the concept, current status, significance, and implications for practice and research of eVisit technology.