Butterfly hug / safe calm place technique versus tetris – a sequential mixed method feasibility study examining the acceptability of techniques to minimise post-traumatic stress symptoms of parents in the neonatal unit
Description
Objective
To conduct a feasibility and acceptability study to examine if playing Tetris or using the Butterfly Hug / Safe Calm Place (BH/SCP) technique can be introduced into the Neonatal Unit to minimise post-traumatic stress symptoms.
Background
Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms (PTSS) are a significant problem in the Neonatal Unit (NNU) and beyond. Previous studies have considered EMDR (Eye movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) or the computer game Tetris in minimizing PTSS following a traumatic birth as they influence the storage of traumatic memories. It is proposed that the BH/SCP (a form of EMDR) or Tetris may be effective for preterm parents.
Participants
Up to forty-eight parents of infants born at 33+ 6 weeks gestation or less will be recruited. Each set of 6 parents will be allocated to care as usual, playing Tetris, using the BH/SCP technique, or using either / both techniques. Staff in the Neonatal Unit will also partake in focus group discussions at the end of the study.
Methods
Phase one: Participants are asked to use the allocated techniques when they feel anxious or stressed, at least once each day. Online surveys will be completed on recruitment and regularly during their time in the NNU to demonstrate efficacy. A final survey will be completed post-discharge.
Phase two: Focus group discussions with parents and staff will address the acceptability, feasibility and perceptions of the techniques. Discussions shall undergo thematic content analysis to ascertain the feasibility and acceptability of the study.
Results
Initial findings from the control group support current literature regarding causes of parental trauma in the NNU. Results from the Butterfly Hug / Safe Calm Place group indicate an improvement in stress scores and post-traumatic stress symptoms post-discharge compared with the control group. Further results are awaited.
To conduct a feasibility and acceptability study to examine if playing Tetris or using the Butterfly Hug / Safe Calm Place (BH/SCP) technique can be introduced into the Neonatal Unit to minimise post-traumatic stress symptoms.
Background
Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms (PTSS) are a significant problem in the Neonatal Unit (NNU) and beyond. Previous studies have considered EMDR (Eye movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) or the computer game Tetris in minimizing PTSS following a traumatic birth as they influence the storage of traumatic memories. It is proposed that the BH/SCP (a form of EMDR) or Tetris may be effective for preterm parents.
Participants
Up to forty-eight parents of infants born at 33+ 6 weeks gestation or less will be recruited. Each set of 6 parents will be allocated to care as usual, playing Tetris, using the BH/SCP technique, or using either / both techniques. Staff in the Neonatal Unit will also partake in focus group discussions at the end of the study.
Methods
Phase one: Participants are asked to use the allocated techniques when they feel anxious or stressed, at least once each day. Online surveys will be completed on recruitment and regularly during their time in the NNU to demonstrate efficacy. A final survey will be completed post-discharge.
Phase two: Focus group discussions with parents and staff will address the acceptability, feasibility and perceptions of the techniques. Discussions shall undergo thematic content analysis to ascertain the feasibility and acceptability of the study.
Results
Initial findings from the control group support current literature regarding causes of parental trauma in the NNU. Results from the Butterfly Hug / Safe Calm Place group indicate an improvement in stress scores and post-traumatic stress symptoms post-discharge compared with the control group. Further results are awaited.
Format
Conference
Language
English
Original Work Citation
Craig, V., McLaughlin, D., & Boyle, B. (2024, May). Butterfly hug / safe calm place technique versus tetris – a sequential mixed method feasibility study examining the acceptability of techniques to minimise post-traumatic stress symptoms of parents in the neonatal unit. Poster presented at the Neonatal Nurse Association Annual Conference, Derby, England, United Kingdom
Collection
Citation
“Butterfly hug / safe calm place technique versus tetris – a sequential mixed method feasibility study examining the acceptability of techniques to minimise post-traumatic stress symptoms of parents in the neonatal unit,” Francine Shapiro Legacy Library, accessed October 9, 2026, https://francineshapirolibrary.omeka.net/items/show/29371.