Palliative care nursing and pediatrics in Intensive Care Unit (ICU): Updated review
Keywords:
Palliative care, Neonatal intensive care unit, Prematurity, Neonatal sepsis, Respiratory distress syndrome, Primary palliative careAbstract
Background: Palliative care in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) aims to enhance quality of life for critically ill neonates and their families. Despite the American Academy of Pediatrics’ broad recommendations, variability exists in implementing palliative care across healthcare facilities. Common neonatal conditions like prematurity, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), and neonatal sepsis pose challenges, emphasizing the need for integrative palliative care. Aim: To examine the history, current practices, and emerging trends in neonatal palliative care, emphasizing its implementation in NICUs. Methods: A comprehensive review of neonatal palliative care literature was conducted, highlighting advancements, barriers, and practical approaches to incorporating palliative care in NICU settings. The review included guidelines, clinical pathways, and policy frameworks. Results: Neonatal palliative care has evolved from rudimentary practices to specialized programs addressing complex medical, ethical, and emotional needs. However, significant barriers persist, including fragmented education, interprofessional communication gaps, and limited palliative care training for healthcare providers. Integrating primary palliative care into NICUs has shown potential for improving outcomes, though it requires widespread adoption of foundational skills among neonatal teams. Conclusion: The integration of palliative care into NICUs is crucial for addressing the nuanced needs of critically ill neonates and their families.
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