ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Provision of compassionate care to infants and their families in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a key component of competent critical care. Although recognized as an essential aspect of NICU care, compassionate care for infants and families in a NICU setting has been underexplored. This study defined and described compassionate care according to NICU staff. STUDY DESIGN: Voice-recorded, face-to-face individual interviews occurred with NICU nurses (n = 45), NICU nurse practitioners (n = 15), and neonatologists (n = 9) from two NICUs in the midwestern United States. Semantic content analysis was used. Consolidated criteria for Reporting Qualitative research guidelines were followed. RESULTS: Three dynamic and interactive qualitative themes emerged: excellent standard of intensive care, commitment, and engaged family communication. A conceptual framework entitled patient and family needs-based care was developed from the qualitative interviews. CONCLUSION: The framework developed from this study supports the therapeutic journey of NICU infants and families by integrating a focus on compassionate personalized care within the context of keen clinical and communication skillsets that staff have gained throughout their NICU careers. KEY POINTS: · While clinical competence is emphasized as a practice standard, compassion remains a core care value.. · A working definition of compassionate care and the description of its defining pillars has been underexplored.. · This study describes the perspectives of NICU staff on the actionable components of compassionate care for ill infant and their families..
