Nurses’ perceptions of family-centred care in neonatal intensive care units: Rapid qualitative evidence synthesis of studies in low- and middle-income countries

Abstract

Background: Family involvement in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) benefits both the infant and the family; however, nurses working in the NICU in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) face unique contextual challenges that influence the practice of family-centred care (FCC).Aim: This rapid review aims to synthesise nurses’ perceptions of FCC in NICUs in LMICs and to identify factors influencing its implementation in these contexts.Method: Electronic databases were searched for relevant studies published between 2020 and 2025. A Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) diagram depicts the study selection process. The Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research was used for quality assessment of the selected articles, and data were charted using the JBI extraction instrument. Descriptive thematic synthesis was used to synthesise and report the findings.Results: The search generated 1598 articles, with 9 studies from 5 different LMICs meeting the selection criteria. The synthesis of the findings resulted in the identification of 6 themes, namely policies and resources, cultural and contextual variables, nurses’ roles and responsibilities, nurse-family dynamics, staff dynamics and support and training.Conclusion: Nurses in LMICs expressed varied views on involving families in NICUs and highlighted the influence of cultural and contextual factors. They emphasised the need for clear guidelines, adequate resources and appropriate support and training to enable successful implementation.Contribution: The review provides a single point of access of contextualised synthesised findings of factors influencing the implementation of FCC in LMIC NICUs.