Engaging parents of hospitalized neonates during a pandemic

BACKGROUND: Engaging families through patient- and family-centered care (PFCC), the NICU nurse upholds the core concepts providing holistic care. The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic altered the daily routine of visiting parents to hospitals around the nation, particularly for pediatric and neonatal populations. METHODS: This paper describes innovative strategies implemented in a large Level IV NICU to promote the core concepts of PFCC that ensured parent-infant bonding while limiting exposure to a pandemic infection, such as COVID-19. DISCUSSION: Strategies discussed include virtual visits between parents and infants to promote bonding; virtual parent support groups to encourage information sharing; remote music therapy options which included take-home music kits; diaries, albums, and celebration boards to support participation; among others. Parent collaboration throughout implementation promoted partnership. CONCLUSION: Utilizing a variety of unique and innovative approaches to promote PFCC strategies became a critical component of routine planning and care delivery for one large neonatal intensive care unit.