Purpose: This study aimed (1) to examine the current status of psychological distress experienced by neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses in supporting bereaved families, (2) to identify the factors associated with psychological distress, and (3) to understand the professional characteristics of nurses experiencing high psychological distress by comparing the study results with those of pediatricians.
Methods: We sent questionnaires to 64 NICUs. The psychological distress of nurses was classified into two groups based on the frequency of psychological distress experienced and analyzed using the χ2 test and Fisher's exact test. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the factors related to psychological distress.
Results: Of the 384 nurse respondents, 190 (49.5%) reported having supported bereaved families, 169 of who were included in the analysis. A total of 123 nurses (72.8%) reported high levels of psychological distress. Our study revealed that the use of coping methods is associated with high psychological distress. The comparison with pediatricians revealed that nurses were significantly more likely to be female and had fewer years of working experience. Nurses were also significantly more likely to use coping methods and to experience high psychological distress.
Conclusion: Clarifying the coping methods for psychological distress in supporting bereaved families may be necessary, and nurses need to identify appropriate coping methods. In nursing education, information on psychological distress related to children's deaths and bereavement care should be conveyed from the early stage and nurses must obtain preliminary knowledge. The creation of a bereavement follow-up system is recommended.
Keywords: NICU; bereavement care; children’s deaths; nurses; psychological distress.