Providing Compassionate Care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Through Infant and Family Needs-Based Care

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.