A Parents' Perspective on the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Our Family's Journey.

摘要

The pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) can be an intimidating and frightening place for parents and family members of critically ill children. Most parents experience a loss of control and feelings of utter helplessness. Many PICUs are working with family members to improve the quality of care provided through patient- and family-centered care, which is in fact 1 of the 6 tenets of the Institute of Medicine's definition of quality health care. However, as highlighted by the tragic and very personal experience described by one family, PICUs can and should be doing more to improve the patient and family experience.