Parental assessment of comfort in newborns affected by life-limiting conditions treated by a standardized neonatal comfort care program

OBJECTIVE: To assess the perception of parents concerning the state of comfort maintained in their infants born with life-limiting conditions and treated by a standardized neonatal comfort care program. STUDY DESIGN: Participants were parents (n = 35 families) who elected comfort care for their newborns diagnosed with life-limiting conditions. Standardized comfort measures including family/infant bonding, warmth, nutrition/hydration and pain/discomfort management were provided to all infants. Parents consented to receive a questionnaire with quantitative response options and open-ended questions. RESULTS: Forty-two questionnaires (26 from mothers and 16 from fathers) were collected and analyzed. Most parents reported that their child was treated with respect, in a caring, peaceful and non- invasive environment. To the question 'Do you think that overall your baby received comfort' mode response was 'always'. CONCLUSION: Parents of infants with life-limiting conditions perceive that their babies experience comfort as a result of the care provided by the standardized Neonatal Comfort Care Program.