title: Family-centred care in the paediatric intensive care unit.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim was to assess emotional support given to mothers of children in intensive care units (ICUs) and make recommendations to nurse managers regarding family-centred nursing care in paediatric ICUs in South Africa.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Family-centred care is an essential component of paediatric care. Nurse managers should enhance implementation and sustainability to ensure quality care.
  
  
  METHODS
  A quantitative descriptive research design was used. Structured interviews using questionnaires were conducted with 62 mothers whose children were nursed in ICUs in Bloemfontein.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifteen stressors for mothers were identified and emotional support for mothers in ICU's was assessed and described. Analysis indicated that COPE (Creating Opportunities for Parent Empowerment) can be used within the South African context to enhance family-centred paediatric nursing care.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Competencies of nurse practitioners and other staff involved must be improved and the seriousness and importance of emotional support as part of family-centred care should be emphasized.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nurse managers should take responsibility for the training of staff in implementing COPE as a possible empowerment programme in Paediatric ICUs to ensure that emotional support is not neglected.
authors: Department of Health Studies, UNISA, South Africa. roetsl@unisa.ac.za
authors: Lizeth
authors: L
authors: Roets
authors: Natasja
authors: N
authors: Rowe-Rowe
authors: Riette
authors: R
authors: Nel
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods; D004644:Emotions; D022143:Family Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015278:Intensive Care Units, Pediatric / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007857:Leadership; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012944:Social Support; D013019:South Africa; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016387:Women's Health