Video consultation as nursing practice during early in-home care for premature infants and families viewed from the families' homes'

AIM: This study examined how communication between nurses and families in video consultations in a neonatal early in-home care program unfolded in the context of parents' homes.

DESIGN: A qualitative study based on focused observations supported by audio-recorded video consultations.

METHODS: The data were collected through nine video consultations between nurses and families in an early in-home care program. The transcribed material was examined using inductive content analysis.

FINDINGS: The analyses revealed the following themes: "Setting the scene," "Weight as a point of reference" and "The pros and cons of technology." The video consultations unfolded in a relaxed atmosphere, but also as one-way communication dominated by nurses, with the infant's weight as the focus. The study finds that a focus on training in video communication is needed to take full advantage of video consultations' potential.