Family-centered care and pediatric death in the emergency department: A qualitative study using framework analysis

Family-centered care is an important concept underpinning care of children. Although much researched in some settings, little research has explored specialist settings, or areas where both children and adults are cared for, such as the emergency department.

This study sought to explore how nurses employ family-centered care in delivering care to children and families when a child dies in the emergency department. Using a descriptive, qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 emergency nurses from six Australian states. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Framework analysis was applied to examine alignment with family-centered care principles.

Nurses described providing support and education, and encouraged families to engage in care decisions, including about ceasing resuscitation efforts. Commonly, senior staff members were allocated during emergencies to support parents.

Emergency nurses should be offered education on family-centered care, and research undertaken to explore families' experiences of their child dying in the emergency department.

Family-centered care should be a focus for the care of children and their families in the emergency department, regardless of the pressure from rapidly occurring events.