Neonatal palliative care: Review of available literature

Résumé 0

The aim of this article is to establish the extent of knowledge in neonatal palliative care in order to reflect on new professional and research possibilities. We have used literature published between 2005 and 2016 available on electronic databases (Francis, Medline, PsychInfo) in English and/or French. This revealed two main trends: studies focused on professional practice in palliative care and those centered on the parents and their experience. The emphasis in the studies representing the carers’ points of view is on the need for training and the formalization of interventions with the medical professionals. The latter relate to medical aspects of pain management in newborn babies in palliative care and also to communication and relational skills. The subject of burnout in the profession is also raised. In the studies related to the parents, two major aspects are highlighted: their role as parents in the decision of when to end life and their own personal experience. As a result of our analysis of this research at a national and international level, we have exposed material for future research and improvements in professional practice.