[Welcoming a child of a parent hospitalized in intensive care]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Psychology
• Family Systems Theory
• Critical Care Medicine

Context:

• Hospitalization of a parent in intensive care profoundly affects children.
• Disruption of typical family routines and emotional support systems.
• Need for specialized interventions to mitigate negative impacts on child well-being.

Purpose:

• To describe the development and implementation of specific strategies for child visitation in a neurosurgical intensive care unit.
• To facilitate family presence during critical care events.
• To support children experiencing parental critical illness.

Summary:

• A neurosurgical intensive care team created tailored approaches to allow children to visit their parent.
• These methods address the unique challenges posed by parental critical illness.
• The strategies aim to maintain family connections during a stressful period.

Impact:

• Improved coping mechanisms for children during parental hospitalization.
• Reduced psychological distress for pediatric family members.
• Enhanced family-centered care within the intensive care setting.