Humanization strategies in pediatric intensive care: A scoping review

The international HU-CI project advocates eight strategic strands for the humanization of intensive care units. Despite of adult ICUs have received attention to promote humanization of care, in the paediatric context, the humanization of care continues to receive limited attention, with limited data on paediatric structures and humanization patterns lacking integration into practice.

Identify available evidence related to humanization concepts according to the theoretical framework of the HU-CI Project and understand the implementations in the field of paediatric intensive care units.

A scoping review was conducted through a literature search in PubMed and CINAHL. Studies addressing concepts or elements related to the strategic lines of the HU-CI framework within the context of paediatric intensive care units were included. The perspective of patients, families, and frontline healthcare professionals was considered, using quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches. Data analysis followed a narrative approach, categorically synthesised according to the strategic lines of the HU-CI framework in paediatric intensive care units.

A total of 41 articles were included. Within the eight action lines of action of the HU-CI framework, end-of-life care and communication predominated over flexible schedules, family presence and participation in care, patient well-being, professional care, post-ICU syndrome and humanised infrastructure.

The analysed action lines suggest the need for development and improvement through further research to facilitate their full integration into the practice of paediatric intensive care units.