Background: Routine regionalised transfer of preterm infants occurs throughout Westernised countries. Transfer to lower acuity units occurs once infants are ready for convalescence and signals an infant's improving health. However, many parents find transfer traumatic.
Aims: To investigate parents' perceptions of preterm infants' transfer; to provide neonatal clinicians with insights to facilitate optimal service provision.
Methods: Participants had experienced their baby born at less than 29 weeks gestation, and subsequent transfer. Six parents were interviewed.
Design: Data were analysed using a general inductive approach.
Findings: Three themes were interpreted through data analysis: NICU - incomparable haven; abandonment; and parental expertise side-lined. These themes represent a journey of interrupted identity that parents undergo when their baby is transferred to another unit.
Conclusion: Despite studies recommending more family-centred transfer planning, gaps persist. Nursing care might be enhanced by incorporating insight into parental experiences and promotion of collaborative changes within and between units.
Keywords: NICU; SCBU; back transfer; parental perceptions; preterm infants; regionalised transfer.