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. 2025 Apr 14;25(1):291.
doi: 10.1186/s12887-025-05620-w.

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

Bayan Aljawad  1   2 , Shaima Ali Miraj  3 , Furqan Alameri  4   5 , Husam Alzayer  6   7
Affiliations

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

Bayan Aljawad et al. BMC Pediatr. .

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.

Keywords: Barrier; Facilitator; Family-centered care; Intervention; Nicu; Picu.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: Not applicable. Consent for publication: All authors read and approved the final manuscript for publication. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
PRISMA flowchart of the study selection process (ref: Page MJ, et al. BMJ 2021;372:n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71.)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Identified barriers to family-centered care
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Identified barriers to family-centered care
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Steps for implementing family-centered care interventions
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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