The implementation and impact of narrative diaries in neonatal intensive care units: A scoping review.
Gabriele Sorrentino, Kiara Ros Thekkan, Catia Genna and 7 others
PMID 40000364WHAT IT FOUND
NICU diaries are increasingly used, but their formats and effects vary widely.
A pilot journal trial found no clear difference in parent anxiety or depression, while other studies reported reduced stress; evidence is too limited to confirm benefit.
Key findings
01Twenty-one studies were included, and the terms used for NICU diaries varied widely.
02A study reported lower anxiety scores and PTSD prevalence of 10% versus 22.9% in controls.
03A journal trial found no significant differences in anxiety or depression compared with controls.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
Only English-language literature was included, so relevant non-English NICU diary work may be missing. The included studies used many different diary formats, terms, authors, and durations, and the dose of writing was often not reported. The evidence base includes many editorials and opinion reports, and only 6 experimental or quasi-experimental studies. Quality appraisal was not used to exclude studies, so low-quality studies are included. Small study sizes, risk of bias, and inconsistent findings limit confidence that diaries improve parent outcomes.
Declared interests
The work was supported by the Italian Ministry of Health with Current Research funds.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that NICU diaries reliably improve parent mental health. The review found heterogeneous evidence, and a pilot journal randomized trial found no significant differences in anxiety or depression, so the diaries are not proven to prevent PICS-F.