Work

Anticipatory guidance for parents following paediatric intensive care: a scoping review and environmental scan of recovery-focused resources

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To map and critically appraise anticipatory guidance interventions and resources for parents following PICU discharge, examine how they address recovery challenges, and identify gaps to inform parent-centred resource development. METHODS: Database search across EBSCO (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsychINFO), Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for studies published January 2000-June 2025. Environmental scan via targeted and Google searches. Five tools assessed delivery, understandability, actionability, quality, and readability. RESULTS: Of 1752 records, four studies and nine digital resources met inclusion criteria (n = 271 parents). Formats included phone calls, brochures, in-person conversations, plus websites, webpages, downloadable content, and videos, from university children's hospitals (n = 10), and organisations (n = 3) across the US (n = 9), UK (n = 3), and Australia (n = 1). Three key findings emerged: (1) support for how parents' access, understand, and use information was inconsistent; (2) resources prioritised functional (reading/comprehension), over interactive (communication, application) or critical health literacy (evaluation, advocacy); (3) system-level health literacy strategies were limited. CONCLUSION: There is an urgent need to strengthen anticipatory guidance by embedding health literacy principles across design and delivery. This includes addressing organisational barriers to access and equity through co-design, plain language, and culturally responsive approaches. Beyond information provision, a deliberate focus on capability building can empower parents as active partners in care, ultimately improving outcomes for children and families. IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: Anticipatory guidance following PICU discharge must move beyond information provision toward capacity building that supports parents to apply, evaluate, and act on information. Embedding health literacy principles - plain language, readability testing, co-design, and cultural responsiveness - into resource development is critical to ensure accessibility and equity. Clinician education and integration into routine workflows are equally important to optimise resource impact. A universal precautions approach offers a practical strategy for health services to ensure all families, regardless of literacy level, receive clear, actionable, and supportive guidance.

Source: Intensive and Critical Care Nursing

DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2025.104332

Authors: Leigh Dunn, Suzanne Williams, Debbie Long

Institutions: Queensland University of Technology, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service

Language: English

Topic: Health Literacy and Information Accessibility

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,140