[Family access to Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Latin America: A reality to improve]. / Acceso de las familias a las unidades de internación de Neonatología en Iberoamérica: una realidad a mejorar.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Family access to NICUs has benefits for the newborn (NB) and family, as the main way of humanised care. OBJECTIVE: To determine the current state of parents and families access to NICUs in Latin America. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 15 countries using two questionnaires 1) directed at head nurses with management and supervision activities, and 2) nurses with care tasks. The features and modes of functioning were examined; the use access guides, personal opinion on the rights to enter, risks, interference, or collaboration as regards the patient, and nursing role in decisions. Nursing leaders of each country identified contacts and obtained authorisation under the regulations of each country. The responses were analysed centrally with the participants remaining anonymous. RESULTS: Out of 640 questionnaires issued, responses were received by 226 (35%). Among 52 NICU, 63% have a place for mothers to stay (only 27% overnight), and in 31 (60%) there are notices with fixed schedules for visiting the NB. Unrestricted access exists in only 19 NICU (36%), but for siblings and grandparents it is more restricted (it is not possible in 29%). Among the 174 nurses that responded, 76% feel that mothers should always have access, but these percentages decrease for fathers, siblings and grandparents. A large majority (77%) believe that nursing staff would favour access, and 35% would make it difficult. In addition, 48% believed that access interferes with nursing care. care. CONCLUSION: A cultural change is needed in the NICUs in Latin America in order to respect the rights of newborns and their families during hospitalisation.