Nurses’ beliefs in the care of newborns at the end of life in the neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract

Objective: To describe nurses’ beliefs and attitudes related to care during the end-of-life process and death in a neonatal intensive care unit. Method: Descriptive and qualitative study with nurses working in a neonatal intensive care unit who experienced care for newborns who died in these units. Data collection was carried out through recorded interviews that were analyzed following thematic analysis from the perspective of the Health Belief Model. Results: Nurses’ beliefs were categorized in relation to death, nursing care, and perceptions about newborns. The influence of these beliefs on behaviors and care practices was denoted, with the need for emotional support and specific training to manage these situations being highlighted. Conclusion: Knowledge of the beliefs described in the study is essential to develop more sensitive and comprehensive care strategies, contributing to improve the quality of care in neonatal intensive care units.