Abstract
Objective:
To assess the perception of parents concerning the state of comfort maintained in their infants born with life-limiting conditions and treated by a standardized neonatal comfort care program.
Study Design:
Participants were parents (n=35 families) who elected comfort care for their newborns diagnosed with life-limiting conditions. Standardized comfort measures including family/infant bonding, warmth, nutrition/hydration and pain/discomfort management were provided to all infants. Parents consented to receive a questionnaire with quantitative response options and open-ended questions.
Results:
Forty-two questionnaires (26 from mothers and 16 from fathers) were collected and analyzed. Most parents reported that their child was treated with respect, in a caring, peaceful and non-invasive environment. To the question ‘Do you think that overall your baby received comfort’ mode response was ‘always’.
Conclusion:
Parents of infants with life-limiting conditions perceive that their babies experience comfort as a result of the care provided by the standardized Neonatal Comfort Care Program.
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Parravicini, E., Daho', M., Foe, G. et al. Parental assessment of comfort in newborns affected by life-limiting conditions treated by a standardized neonatal comfort care program. J Perinatol 38, 142–147 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2017.160
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2017.160
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