Exploring the experiences of neonatal parents for neonatal palliative care: a meta-synthesis of qualitative research.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Neonatal palliative care (NPC) represents a deeply emotional and ethically complex experience for families confronting the anticipated or actual loss of an infant. Although the clinical dimensions of NPC are increasingly acknowledged, there remains a lack of comprehensive synthesis regarding how parents perceive and construct meaning from this profoundly distressing journey.

Aim

This study aims to synthesize qualitative evidence on parental experiences during neonatal palliative care, with a focus on their emotional responses, decision-making processes, sources of support, and pathways to adaptation and meaning reconstruction.

Design

This study constituted a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative research.

Data sources

A comprehensive se

SUBMITTER: Zuo Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12853582 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature