Understanding and communication of neonatal palliative care: a bioethical approach

Abstract

Dealing with death and palliative care in neonatology is challenging for health professionals. This retrospective qualitative and descriptive study sought to understand the process of neonatal palliative care communication in a hospital in southern Brazil, analyzing the results from a bioethical perspective. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews, conducted with 14 participants (seven mothers and seven doctors) between June 2021 and August 2022, and examined using Bardin’s content analysis. Two categories stood out: knowledge about palliative care and communication in palliative care. In conclusion, existing communication obstacles can interfere with the family’s understanding of palliative care. Education on topics such as bioethics, palliative care and communication of bad news require greater investments to facilitate these processes and equip professionals.