Sean Marta Efastri, Dwi Sri Rahayu, Nila Zaimatus Septiana, Endang Surtiyoni, Melinda Puspita Sari Jaya, Yenda Puspita
This correspondence extends recent discussion on fathers’ involvement in the neonatal intensive care unit by arguing that inclusion should not be measured by presence alone. In many neonatal settings, fathers may be physically present and participate in caregiving, yet remain clinically peripheral when communication continues to be directed primarily to mothers. We propose a shift from presence-based inclusion to communication-based inclusion, emphasizing that family-centred care becomes meaningful only when fathers are directly addressed, informed, and emotionally recognized within routine care. This reframing has practical implications for neonatal nursing, particularly in bedside communication, parent education, and emotional support. Three observable practices are suggested: direct-address communication, dual-parent information pathways, and emotional normalization. These strategies may provide a more clinically useful basis for evaluating whether fathers are genuinely integrated into NICU care. Future research should examine whether father-directed communication mediates the relationship between family-centred care and paternal psychological well-being. © 2026 Neonatal Nurses Association.
Department of Early Childhood Education Teacher Education, Universitas Lancang Kuning, Riau, Indonesia, Jl. Yos Sudarso KM.8, Umban Sari, Rumbai, Riau, Kota Pekanbaru, 28266, Indonesia; Department Guidance and Counseling, Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya, Jl. Manggis, No.15-17, Jawa Timur, Kota Madiun, 63131, Indonesia; Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Tarbiyah, IAIN Kediri, Jl. Sunan Ampel no.7, Ngronggo, Kec. Kediri Kota, Jawa Timur, Kota Kediri, 64127, Indonesia; Department Guidance and Counseling, Universitas PGRI Palembang, Indonesia, Jln. Jend. A. Yani, Lr Gotong royong 9/10 Ulu, Palembang, 30116, Indonesia; Department of Early Childhood Education Teacher Education, Universitas PGRI Palembang, Indonesia, Jln. Jend. A. Yani, Lr Gotong royong 9/10 Ulu, Palembang, 30116, Indonesia; Department of Early Childhood Education Teacher Education, Universitas Pahlawan Tuanku Tambusai, Indonesia, Jl Tuanku Tambusai No .23 Bangkinang, Kec. Bangkinang Kabupaten Kampar Riau, 28412, Indonesia