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Physiotherapists’ knowledge and experiences of palliative care in neonatal intensive care units: a qualitative study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To explore physiotherapists' knowledge and experiences regarding neonatal palliative care in the neonatal intensive care unit setting. METHODS: A qualitative study using content analysis as a methodological reference. The sample consisted of 12 physiotherapists working in intensive care units in two cities in the northern region of Paraná. Data were collected from January to March 2024 through semi-structured interviews and organized using the IRaMuTeQ® software. RESULTS: The analyses led to the identification of five categories: 1) Neonatal Palliative Care: Comfort and Quality of Life; 2) Emotional Aspects and Reflections on Neonatal Palliative Care; 3) Challenges in and Strategies for Family Communication in Palliative Care; 4) Physiotherapeutic Practice in Hospital and Home Settings within the Context of Neonatal Palliative Care; and 5) Challenges and Strategies for Neonatal Palliative Care Implementation. CONCLUSIONS: Physiotherapists demonstrate relevant knowledge of neonatal palliative care, although institutional gaps and the need for further training remain. Expanding their participation in palliative care discussions may support the development of guidelines, strengthen training, and improve the quality of care.

Source: Revista Paulista de Pediatria

DOI: 10.1590/1984-0462/2026/44/2025359

Authors: Lorena Oliveira Bezerra Morais, Adriana Valongo Zani, Fernanda Pegoraro de Godoi Melo, Natália Trindade, Vanessa Suziane Probst

Institution: Universidade Estadual de Londrina

Language: English

Topic: Palliative and Oncologic Care

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior