Safety risk identification and family empowerment needs in home oxygen therapy for preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia: a qualitative study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Objective This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of primary caregivers managing home oxygen therapy (HOT) for preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and to identify latent safety hazards and support needs to optimise transitional care.Methods A phenomenological research approach was employed. Using purposive sampling, semi-structured interviews were conducted between August and November 2025 with 12 primary caregivers of BPD infants discharged from a tertiary hospital in Zhejiang province. The collected data were analysed and organised using Colaizzi’s 7-step analysis method, leading to the identification of key themes.Results Three main themes were identified: (1) sustained vigilance and restricted daily life under HOT, including restricted mobility, sleep deprivation and psychological anxiety; (2) guilt-driven overinvolvement and disrupted family collaboration, reflected in excessive caregiving, rejection of external support and family conflict; and (3) insufficient caregiving capacity and maladaptive responses in home oxygen care, including ineffective discharge education, limited ability in equipment maintenance and emergency response, decisional uncertainty and barriers to follow-up support.Conclusion Primary caregivers of infants with BPD experience substantial burden and safety challenges during HOT. Nursing support should move beyond one-time discharge education towards family empowerment-oriented capacity building. Tailored education, scenario-based training and continuous follow-up may improve caregiving competence and home oxygen safety.
Source: BMJ Paediatrics Open
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7224526880