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Am J Perinatol 2024; 41(S 01): e863-e869
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1758725
Original Article

Providing “Compassionate Care” in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Through Infant and Family Needs-Based Care

Nicholas Torbert
1   Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center and Children's Hospital Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
,
Cassidy Taladay
2   Department of Communication Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska
,
Trevor Kauer
2   Department of Communication Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska
,
Lucas Hackenburg
2   Department of Communication Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska
,
Meaghann S. Weaver
3   Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center and Children's Hospital Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
,
Jody Koenig Kellas
2   Department of Communication Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
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Abstract

Objective Provision of compassionate care to infants and their families in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a key component of competent critical care. Although recognized as an essential aspect of NICU care, compassionate care for infants and families in a NICU setting has been underexplored. This study defined and described compassionate care according to NICU staff.

Study Design Voice-recorded, face-to-face individual interviews occurred with NICU nurses (n = 45), NICU nurse practitioners (n = 15), and neonatologists (n = 9) from two NICUs in the midwestern United States. Semantic content analysis was used. Consolidated criteria for Reporting Qualitative research guidelines were followed.

Results Three dynamic and interactive qualitative themes emerged: excellent standard of intensive care, commitment, and engaged family communication. A conceptual framework entitled patient and family needs-based care was developed from the qualitative interviews.

Conclusion The framework developed from this study supports the therapeutic journey of NICU infants and families by integrating a focus on compassionate personalized care within the context of keen clinical and communication skillsets that staff have gained throughout their NICU careers.

Key Points

  • While clinical competence is emphasized as a practice standard, compassion remains a core care value.

  • A working definition of compassionate care and the description of its defining pillars has been underexplored.

  • This study describes the perspectives of NICU staff on the actionable components of compassionate care for ill infant and their families.

Keywords

medical knowledge - neonatal intensive care - critical care - neonatal - family - compassion

Note

The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Government, or the VA National Center for Ethics in Health Care.


Supplementary Material



Publication History

Received: 03 April 2022

Accepted: 22 September 2022

Article published online:
30 November 2022

© 2022. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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