Family-centered nursing care model for neonatal intensive care

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nursing
• Family Health
• Healthcare Models

Background:

• Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) present unique challenges for family integration.
• Existing care models may not fully address the complexities of family-centered care in the NICU setting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a comprehensive family-centered nursing care model specifically for neonatal intensive care.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research utilizing a participatory approach.
• Data collection through remote discussion groups with child health researchers.
• Integration of the family-centered care theoretical framework and practical researcher experience.

Main Results:

• A novel care model was constructed, encompassing six core concepts: newborn, family, NICU, health-illness, nursing, and family-centered care.
• The model includes six foundational assumptions and outlines six distinct phases of care.
• These phases detail the progression from initial acquaintance to collaborative care and process reevaluation.

Conclusions:

• The developed model provides a framework for nurses practicing in neonatal units.
• It can guide the training and education of future healthcare professionals in family-centered NICU care.