Parental Decision-Making in Pediatric Intensive Care: A Concept Analysis

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Pediatric Critical Care
• Family-Centered Care

Background:

• Nursing knowledge development relies on theory, research, and practice integration.
• Parental decision-making in pediatric intensive care is not well-defined.
• Nursing science emphasizes decision-making as a core disciplinary interest.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the concept of "parental decision-making in pediatric critical care."
• To facilitate nurses' therapeutic care for critically ill children and their families.
• To develop an operational definition for parental decision-making in this context.

Main Methods:

• Concept analysis using Walker and Avant's method.
• Critical literature review and analysis of field experience.
• Description of concept attributes, background, and consequences, including a model case.

Main Results:

• Identified factors affecting parental decision-making: psychosocial/physical disorders, role subordination, and child's critical state.
• Developed an operational definition for parental decision-making in pediatric critical care.
• Highlighted the need for parental recognition and shared decision-making.

Conclusions:

• An operational definition provides knowledge for professional nursing practice.
• Theoretical development in nursing science is advanced by this concept analysis.
• Promoting family-centered care and shared decisions enhances parental participation.