The process of stability in preterm infants: A Grounded theory

Stability is a broad concept that should be considered physiological, psychological, social, and developmental perspectives. Families and healthcare teams comprehensively attempt to maintain the health of infants. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the disruptive and stabilizing process in infants. The present study aimed to elaborate on the process of stability in preterm infants.

This qualitative study was conducted based on the grounded theory on 24 participants (10 nurses, three physicians, and 11 mothers). Data were obtained from the neonatal intensive care units, home, and clinics. Sampling was initially purposive, followed by theoretical sampling. Data analysis was performed using Strauss and Corbin methodology.

Two main categories emerged after data analysis, including the 'deterioration of intrauterine stability' with the sub-categories of change, crisis, and transition, and 'intrauterine stability with substitutes' with the sub-categories of interactions and continuing to address needs. The central category was to maintain stability. The metaparadigms of nursing were defined as the person (infant), environment (intrauterine and extrauterine), health (growth and development), and nursing (professional interactions).

According to the results, premature birth could disrupt intrauterine stability. Therefore, the needs of preterm infants should be properly addressed through the efforts of the healthcare system in order to improve the growth and development of the infant.