Registered Nurses’ Perceptions of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit as a Place to Provide Palliative and End of Life Care
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Supervisor / Co-Supervisor and Their Department(s)
Examining Committee Member(s) and Their Department(s)
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Abstract
In this qualitative study, methods adapted from the field of ecologic restoration were used to explore seven registered nurses’ perceptions of one Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) as a place to provide neonatal palliative and end of life care. The study was conducted in two phases. In phase one, data was collected during a unit photo walkabout. A photo-elicitation focus group followed. Transcribed data were coded for themes related to physical spaces, practices and culture that influenced care, and current resources available to support care. Key findings from this study included: participants faced challenges providing palliative and end of life care in a busy NICU, there is a need for continued education in palliative and end of life care principles and the importance of providing grief and bereavement support to families.This improved understanding is a step towards setting goals aimed at improving care for dying neonates and their families.