Four themes were developed (Table 1).

Whereas the focus group discussion was centered initially on parent experiences with racism and discrimination in the NICU, parents also learned about staff experiences. Although staff and parent roles are distinct, both groups shared experiences of trauma, emotional tolls, and fatigue while in the NICU. Parents and staff found meaning, new realizations, and appreciation for each other and their roles when they reflected on humanism and intentions. Parents noted differences in staff perspectives, yet shared goals of desiring the best outcome for the child. This newfound shared empathy deconstructed parents preconceived notions of the apathy of healthcare staff and promoted shared bidirectional recognition of humanity.

While reflecting on the focus group sessions, participants described the feeling of power sharing and deconstructed hierarchies of power. Power is the possession of control or authority, and in this case, applies to participants speaking up and advocating for change [5]. Parents were encouraged to speak up after witnessing other parents share their raw and uncut experiences and truths. These observations fueled optimism and hope among participants. Participants described the focus groups as catalysts for change.

Parents described the NICU as an isolating place in both their racialized experiences and traumatic hospitalization experiences. Focus groups were perceived as a place for validation of comparing their similar but unique experiences. Validation, meaning acknowledging, and accepting another person’s experience or world-view, was positive, healing, and combated prior sentiments of isolation, doubt, and feeling “crazy” as a result.

Through bidirectional shared empathy, power sharing, and validation, participants described therapeutic, relieving, authentic, and powerful experiences. The focus groups evoked a strong emotional response and catalyzed a commitment for actionable change. Staff described concrete next steps for changing their behaviors. Reflection continued beyond the sessions and provided a unique opportunity to revisit unaddressed emotions and to advocate for families in the NICU.