Neonatal Nurses' Perceptions of Family-Centred Care in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Quantitative Survey.

AIM: To examine neonatal nurses' perceptions of current and necessary of family-centred care in Saudi Arabia hospitals.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional quantitative survey study.

METHODS

This paper reports findings from the quantitative, cross-sectional survey phase of a broader mixed-methods study. A validated family-centred care questionnaire was distributed in January 2025 to approximately 240 neonatal nurses across three hospitals in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire assessed nurses' perceptions of both current and necessary family-centred care practices across nine domains. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics in IBM SPSS Statistics, Version 30.

RESULTS

A total of 163 nurses completed the survey, representing an overall response rate of 68%. A statistically significant gap was identified between nurses' perceptions of current and necessary practice across all nine domains, with necessary practice consistently rated higher than current practice. The widest gaps were in parent-to-parent support, sharing information with parents and collaboration between parents and professionals.

CONCLUSION

Neonatal nurses in Saudi Arabia showed a high level of awareness of the principles of family-centred care, yet its actual implementation remained comparatively limited across all domains. Strengthening implementation will require organisational support, targeted education and strategies focused on family-system support and parent engagement.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: Family-centred care should be embedded within nursing policies, role descriptions and continuing professional development, alongside structured parent-support and communication initiatives, to help bridge the gap between the care nurses perceive as necessary and the care they are able to deliver in neonatal units.

IMPACT: This study addresses the limited evidence on family-centred care in neonatal units in Saudi Arabia. The findings provide evidence to inform hospital managers, policymakers and nurse educators in developing strategies to strengthen family-centred care practices among neonatal staff, to support Saudi Arabia's broader efforts to advance patient- and family-centred healthcare and improve the quality of care.

REPORTING METHOD: The study was reported in accordance with the STROBE checklist for cross-sectional studies.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.