Family-centered care in neonatal and pediatric critical care units: a scoping review of interventions, barriers, and facilitators

Abstract Introduction The Family-Centered Care (FCC) model has been linked to improved clinical outcomes and family satisfaction. However, implementing this model can be challenging, especially in neonatal and pediatric critical care units. This review aims to map the literature on FCC in neonatal a...

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Main Authors: Bayan Aljawad, Shaima Ali Miraj, Furqan Alameri, Husam Alzayer
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-04-01
Series:BMC Pediatrics
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-025-05620-w
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author Bayan Aljawad
Shaima Ali Miraj
Furqan Alameri
Husam Alzayer
author_facet Bayan Aljawad
Shaima Ali Miraj
Furqan Alameri
Husam Alzayer
author_sort Bayan Aljawad
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Introduction The Family-Centered Care (FCC) model has been linked to improved clinical outcomes and family satisfaction. However, implementing this model can be challenging, especially in neonatal and pediatric critical care units. This review aims to map the literature on FCC in neonatal and pediatric critical care units, identify barriers and facilitators of effective interventions, and suggest a practical step-by-step approach for implementing FCC interventions. Methods This scoping review was guided by the PRISMA-ScR guidelines and followed the Arksey and O'Malley 5-step scoping review framework. We accessed the databases on the 28 th of April, 2024, and included all prospective and randomized controlled trials (RCT) implementing FCC interventions from PubMed and Web of Science databases. Data were organized, tabulated, and described narratively. Results Out of 1,577 potentially relevant citations after duplicate removal, 17 articles met our eligibility criteria (4 RCTs and 13 prospective studies). Nine of these studies were conducted in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) and eight in pediatric intensive care units (PICU). Three NICU interventions were single-type interventions, while six were part of comprehensive programs; in the PICU, seven were single-type interventions and one was part of a comprehensive program. All interventions incorporated elements of FCC principles (respect, information sharing, collaboration, and participation). Barriers included institutional factors, provider attitudes, cultural issues, communication challenges, environmental constraints, training needs, and emotional stress. FCC facilitators included enhanced environment, empowerment and training, supportive Infrastructure, collaborative communication, parental Involvement, adaptive interventions, and continuous feedback. Conclusion Effective implementation of FCC interventions requires careful planning and needs assessment. It ensures management support, regular staff training, family orientation, and a continuous feedback loop. Incorporating FCC principles and delivering culturally acceptable interventions is key while acknowledging possible barriers and utilizing available facilitators. FCC interventions can help foster a healthcare culture that values partnerships with families and can transform the neonatal and pediatric critical care experience for patients, families, and providers alike.
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spelling doaj-art-af0d8253fb0d4de78bf15217277061762025-08-20T02:28:11ZengBMCBMC Pediatrics1471-24312025-04-0125111710.1186/s12887-025-05620-wFamily-centered care in neonatal and pediatric critical care units: a scoping review of interventions, barriers, and facilitatorsBayan Aljawad0Shaima Ali Miraj1Furqan Alameri2Husam Alzayer3College of Health Sciences, Saudi Electronic UniversityCollege of Health Sciences, Saudi Electronic UniversityDepartment of Emergency Medicine, Alsafeer Surgical Hospital, Ministry of HealthDepartment of Academic Affairs, Prince Mohammed Medical CityAbstract Introduction The Family-Centered Care (FCC) model has been linked to improved clinical outcomes and family satisfaction. However, implementing this model can be challenging, especially in neonatal and pediatric critical care units. This review aims to map the literature on FCC in neonatal and pediatric critical care units, identify barriers and facilitators of effective interventions, and suggest a practical step-by-step approach for implementing FCC interventions. Methods This scoping review was guided by the PRISMA-ScR guidelines and followed the Arksey and O'Malley 5-step scoping review framework. We accessed the databases on the 28 th of April, 2024, and included all prospective and randomized controlled trials (RCT) implementing FCC interventions from PubMed and Web of Science databases. Data were organized, tabulated, and described narratively. Results Out of 1,577 potentially relevant citations after duplicate removal, 17 articles met our eligibility criteria (4 RCTs and 13 prospective studies). Nine of these studies were conducted in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) and eight in pediatric intensive care units (PICU). Three NICU interventions were single-type interventions, while six were part of comprehensive programs; in the PICU, seven were single-type interventions and one was part of a comprehensive program. All interventions incorporated elements of FCC principles (respect, information sharing, collaboration, and participation). Barriers included institutional factors, provider attitudes, cultural issues, communication challenges, environmental constraints, training needs, and emotional stress. FCC facilitators included enhanced environment, empowerment and training, supportive Infrastructure, collaborative communication, parental Involvement, adaptive interventions, and continuous feedback. Conclusion Effective implementation of FCC interventions requires careful planning and needs assessment. It ensures management support, regular staff training, family orientation, and a continuous feedback loop. Incorporating FCC principles and delivering culturally acceptable interventions is key while acknowledging possible barriers and utilizing available facilitators. FCC interventions can help foster a healthcare culture that values partnerships with families and can transform the neonatal and pediatric critical care experience for patients, families, and providers alike.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-025-05620-wFamily-centered carePicuNicuInterventionBarrierFacilitator
spellingShingle Bayan Aljawad
Shaima Ali Miraj
Furqan Alameri
Husam Alzayer
Family-centered care in neonatal and pediatric critical care units: a scoping review of interventions, barriers, and facilitators
BMC Pediatrics
Family-centered care
Picu
Nicu
Intervention
Barrier
Facilitator
title Family-centered care in neonatal and pediatric critical care units: a scoping review of interventions, barriers, and facilitators
title_full Family-centered care in neonatal and pediatric critical care units: a scoping review of interventions, barriers, and facilitators
title_fullStr Family-centered care in neonatal and pediatric critical care units: a scoping review of interventions, barriers, and facilitators
title_full_unstemmed Family-centered care in neonatal and pediatric critical care units: a scoping review of interventions, barriers, and facilitators
title_short Family-centered care in neonatal and pediatric critical care units: a scoping review of interventions, barriers, and facilitators
title_sort family centered care in neonatal and pediatric critical care units a scoping review of interventions barriers and facilitators
topic Family-centered care
Picu
Nicu
Intervention
Barrier
Facilitator
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-025-05620-w
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