Neonatal end-of-life care in Sweden

Abstract

A survey was carried out of Swedish neonatal end-of-life regarding practice before birth, at birth, during dying and after death using a descriptive questionnaire with close-ended questions and individual comments. The practice in 32 of 38 neonatal units, as described by the head nurse or the registered nurses, was largely similar. Respectful treatment of both the neonate and the parents during neonatal end-of-life care was indicated. Differences were found in pre-natal care concerning the information about the risks of pre-term birth, the opportunity for parents to view a pre-term neonate and meet its family, as well as a social worker. Practice directly after birth was also different. A little less than half of the units answered that they gave a description of the seriously ill neonate to the parents before the first visit to the ward. Practice during dying indicated that only a few units permitted the neonate to die at home.