| 1.Safety (physical and psychological) for parents and staff |
• Privacy is afforded (best done in single family rooms).
• Confidentiality is maintained.
• Mutual respect is demonstrated.
• Providers are caring, empathic, and validate parents’ experiences. |
| 2.Trustworthiness and transparency |
• Communication, free of medical jargon, is frequent and regular.
• Parents’ concerns and questions are respected.
• Parents have access to their baby’s medical records.
• Parents’ presence on rounds and during shift change is encouraged. |
| 3.Peer support |
• Every NICU should offer peer support to every NICU parent within 72 h of admission.
• Peer support can be provided one-on-one, in a group setting, by telephone or internet. |
| 4.Collaboration and mutuality |
• Parents are partners with the NICU team.
• Nurses take the role of mentor and coach to parents.
• Parents are involved in the care of their baby as early and as often as possible.
• Family-integrated care is a promising new model.
• Shared decision-making for baby’s care plans is standard.
• Nurse–physician collaboration is practiced. |
| 5.Empowerment, voice and choice for parents and staff |
• Parents are provided emotional and psychosocial support to foster their resilience.
• Parents are encouraged and supported in taking on their roles as parents and caregivers.
• Parents’ presence on rounds and during shift change is encouraged.
• Staff are supported with appropriate assignments, mentoring, and self scheduling. |
| 6.Cultural, historical and gender issues |
• All parents are welcomed and treated equally.
• Culturally effective care is provided to all. |
