Family-centered care: Assessing Egyptian neonatal nurses' perception, attitude, and barriers.

BACKGROUND

Family-Centered Care (FCC) is vital in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) for improving outcomes.

PURPOSE: This study explores neonatal nurses' perceptions, attitudes, and barriers to implementing FCC.

METHODS

A descriptive and correlational design surveyed 161 nurses across three NICUs in Egypt, utilizing validated instruments as the Family-Centered Care Questionnaire-Revised (FCCQ-R), Families' Importance in Nursing Care-Nurses' Attitudes (FINC-NA), and the barriers for FCC survey.

RESULTS

The survey demonstrates significant associations among perceptions, attitudes, and barriers to FCC. Additionally, a negative significant correlation was present between attitudes and perceptions (r = -0.550, p < 0.01), a positive significant correlation between barriers and perceptions (r = 0.418, p < 0.01), and a negative significant correlation between barriers and attitudes (r = -0.296, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

This study illustrates a strong positive perception of FCC among nurses, with mixed attitudes toward FCC, and a substantial proportion of nurses perceive major barriers to implementing FCC.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Educational and institutional interventions or programs focused on FCC for neonatal nurses should be implemented to promote a supportive environment that values FCC and enhances nurses' understanding of the positive, active roles families play in pediatric care. Addressing barriers through training, policy support, and resource allocation can enhance FCC practices in NICUs.