Communication, information, and the parent-caregiver relationship in neonatal intensive care units: A review of the literature

Abstract

This literature review focuses on the neonatal context. It provides an update of knowledge on the psychosocial consequences and communication needs expressed by parents. It highlights the obstacles to communication and proposes lines of thought for the development of new training systems to improve the communication practices of caregivers.

Objective: This review aims to assess and categorize the specific needs and expectations of families in terms of communication within the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Methods: A bibliographic search was carried out on the Web of Sciences, PubMed and PsycArticles databases with the following keywords: "neonat* AND new* AND communication AND parent*".

Results: In total, 16 papers were selected showing that information and communication are particular needs for parents in NICUs. They are confronted with a stressful situation and have to deal with the fear and anticipation of the situation in a context of uncertainty. Parents are satisfied with the caregiver-parent relationship when the type of communication is adapted to the context and to their changing needs. Conversely, they feel excluded when they cannot be involved as they would like to be in the care or in the decision-making process.

Conclusion: The development of new communication training methods and tools such as simulation would allow healthcare workers to acquire new communication skills focused on the needs of families.

Keywords: Access to information; Communication; Communication needs; Family-centered care; Neonatal intensive care; Parents.