Role of nursing and grief support during palliative care in neonatal units

Abstract

Introduction: death in children in the world during the perinatal period according to the World Health Organization (WHO) corresponds to 2,3 million in the first 20 days of life; while nursing interventions in the clinical field in the NICU are an argumentative model, of application in bioethics and decision making in front of the different vital processes of the health of patients, this is achieved through empathy and physical touch in the process of accompanying the bereavement. Objective: to interpret and integrate conceptual frameworks related to the role of nursing and bereavement support during palliative care in neonatal units.Methods: qualitative-hermeneutic, narrative-interpretative and documentary study based on literature review. Development: the role of nursing is paramount in neonatal units, since they participate in the fundamental care of this population, as indicators and statistics provide the relationship and incidence of neonatal death and the activities carried out for the end of life of neonates, where nursing professionals during the development of clinical interventions with the user and their families question themselves about their duties and obligations, managing to carry out a suitable practice, using bioethical principles. Conclusions: the appropriate intervention of palliative care and other processes adhering to it can have a positive impact on the dignified death and grieving process of the patient and their families; it is evident that nursing interventions in the clinical field in the NICU are an argumentative model, applicable in bioethics and decision making in front of the different vital processes of the health of patients