An examination of the concerns of parents who have had a child in a pediatric intensive care unit

The entire family is affected by a child's admission to a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Problems may result from physiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental, and spiritual stressors. Parents may need support and assistance, before they can support their child. The purpose of this study was to examine the concerns of parents and the methods they use to respond to those concerns. Neuman's Systems Model provided the theoretical framework. Subjects included parents of children who were admitted to the PICU for the first time, then discharged to the General Pediatric Floor. A qualitative, descriptive method was used. Answers to a demographic questionnaire and a structured interview were compiled and examined for recurring themes and categories. Themes were analyzed for frequency, importance, and meaning. Major findings indicate that parents who have a child in a PICU are concerned that the child may die or have lasting defects, the entire environment is frightening, and explanations from care providers are frequently not understood. Parents respond to concerns by relying on faith in God, talking to others, physical activity, crying, and intellectualization. Serendipitous findings include a preference for structured, set visiting times. Parents also expressed distress when the nurse was responsible for enforcing the parent lounge rules. The child is part of a whole family system. In order to effectively treat the child, the parents must also be treated. By Identifying the concerns of parents , effective, purposeful nursing interventions may be developed to reduce the detrimental Impact of stressors upon the family system.