Neonatal Nurses' Perceptions of Palliative Care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Intensive Care
• Palliative Care
• Nursing Practice

Background:

• Neonatal palliative care (NPC) is recognized as vital in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
• Despite its endorsement, inconsistencies in NPC implementation persist.
• Understanding nurses' perceptions of barriers and facilitators is key to improving care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine neonatal nurses' perceptions of barriers and facilitators to palliative care in the NICU setting.
• To explore the relationship between unit policies, NPC education, and nurses' attitudes toward palliative care.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional online survey using the Neonatal Palliative Care Attitude Scale (NiPCAS™©).
• Survey distributed to neonatal nurses via the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) and National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN).
• Parametric statistical analyses were used to analyze the data.

Main Results:

• A total of 200 surveys were completed (response rate 2.5-5.5%).
• Key barriers identified included perceived inappropriate care and societal understanding of NPC.
• Positive correlations were found between favorable attitudes toward NPC and unit culture support, NPC policy, and NPC education.

Conclusions:

• Neonatal nurses in NICUs with established NPC policies and prior palliative care education exhibit more positive attitudes towards NPC.
• Implementing unit policies and educational programs are effective strategies for promoting high-quality palliative care for high-risk infants and their families.