Keywords
newborn intensive care unit, parent decision making, communication, palliative care, childbirth education
Abstract
Survival rates for very preterm and critically ill infants are increasing, raising complex ethical issues for health-care providers and parents who face the challenge of making end-of-life decisions for newborns. The purpose of this integrative literature review was to evaluate parental involvement in end-of-life care and decision making for their infant in the newborn intensive care unit. Findings revealed that establishing good relationships and clear communication between health-care providers and parents builds trust and eases stress placed on parents making decisions about the care of their infant. Palliative care programs provide support for parents and facilitate their decision making. Parents can be educated about how to communicate with health-care providers. Educating nurses on how to provide end-of-life care may also help improve support for parents during this difficult time. Additional research is recommended to examine parents' needs during and after end-of-life care decisions for their newborn.
Original Publication Citation
Eden, L. & Callister, L. (2009). Parent involvement in end-of-life decision making in the newborn intensive care unit: an integrative review. The Journal of Perinatal Education 19(1), 29-39.
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Eden, Lacey M. and Callister, Lynn Clark, "Parent Involvement in End-of-Life Care and Decision Making in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit: An Integrative Review" (2010). Faculty Publications. 5259.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub/5259
Document Type
Peer-Reviewed Article
Publication Date
2010
Permanent URL
http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/7993
Publisher
The Journal of Perinatal Education
Language
English
College
Nursing
Copyright Use Information
http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/
Included in
Critical Care Nursing Commons, Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nursing Commons, Other Nursing Commons