Final Report > Chapter 9: The Paediatric Cardiac Surgical Service in Bristol > Parents at the BRHSC and the BRI

Parents at the BRHSC and the BRI

Parental involvement in care

33 Sister Julia Thomas explained that at the BRI:

`The ward philosophy was to promote family-centred care throughout the child's stay. We encouraged parents to be involved with their child's care at all times. This included full care pre-operatively and post-operatively in the nursery, washing, dressing, feeding, and generally caring for their child. In the ITU the amount of participation varied depending on the parents and the severity of the illness. Some parents found the whole intensive care experience extremely upsetting and could not visit for long. Others were there all the time and were very keen to do as much as possible for their child. We encourage parents to wash their babies, change nappies, and give eye and mouth care. Naso-gastric feeding was taught to parents, especially if their child was in ITU for a long time.' [31]

34 She continued:

`We were very careful to keep the parents fully informed about their child's progress. The nurses explained all the procedures they were carrying out, and what drugs and treatment the child was receiving. The parents were able to read the care plans for their child, and were involved in discussions about any treatment changes required.' [32]

35 She stated that the parents themselves often required considerable support, which was time consuming. She also stated that to encourage the parents to participate in their child's care equally took time, as did teaching them about naso-gastric feeding, and about eye and mouth care. [33]

Footnotes

[31] WIT 0213 0046 Julia Thomas

[32] WIT 0213 0047 Julia Thomas

[33] WIT 0213 0042 Julia Thomas