End of life in neonatology: experiences of health professionals in neonatal palliative care

Authors

  • Maribel Carvalhais Escola Superior de Saúde do Norte Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa, Oliveira de Azeméis, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2206-2582
  • Ana Cristina Pereira Centro Hospitalar Entre Douro e Vouga, Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal
  • Ana Pinho Centro Hospitalar Entre Douro e Vouga, EPE, Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal
  • Andreia Gonçalves Centro Hospitalar Entre Douro e Vouga, EPE, Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal
  • Ângela Caldeira Centro Médico de Estarreja, Estarreja, Portugal
  • Cláudia Silva Centro Hospitalar Entre Douro e Vouga, EPE, Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal
  • Lisete Soares Centro Hospitalar Entre Douro e Vouga, EPE, Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29352/mill0209.08.00229

Keywords:

Palliative care, neonatology, infant, newborn, attitude to death, health personnel

Abstract

Introduction: It has recently been shown that professionals working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units show an increasing interest in decisions made at the end of life and in the quality of care provided to newborns and their families.

Objetives: To understand the experiences of health professionals regarding neonatal palliative care.

Methods: The research methodology was qualitative, exploratory-descriptive and phenomenological.

Results: Questionnaires were applied and analyzed to 15 professionals working at a NICU in central Portugal. The data obtained show lack of teaching and lack of protocols/guidelines, as well as the need of psychological support to professionals and family of the NB.

Conclusion: Continuous and specific training, support and psychological counseling of professionals and families should be the pillar of neonatal palliative care.

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Published

2019-05-29

How to Cite

Carvalhais, M., Pereira, A. C., Pinho, A., Gonçalves, A., Caldeira, Ângela, Silva, C., & Soares, L. (2019). End of life in neonatology: experiences of health professionals in neonatal palliative care. Millenium - Journal of Education, Technologies, and Health, 2(9), 103–110. https://doi.org/10.29352/mill0209.08.00229

Issue

Section

Life and Healthcare Sciences