@article{TP154187,
author = {Yang Li and Nian Liu and Yiyao Bao},
title = {Current applications and future perspectives of family-integrated care in the pediatric intensive care unit: a narrative review from concept to practice},
journal = {Translational Pediatrics},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
year = {2026},
keywords = {},
abstract = {Background and Objective: Family-integrated care (FIC), grounded in the principles of family-centered care (FCC), has become an important approach for supporting children and families during pediatric intensive care. Although post-intensive care syndrome in pediatrics (PICS-p) provides one important rationale for family engagement, the scope of FIC extends beyond PICS-p to include bedside participation, communication, shared decision-making, rehabilitation, psychosocial support, and transition planning. This narrative review aims to synthesize current applications, reported benefits, implementation barriers, and future priorities for FIC in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).Methods: We conducted a narrative review of literature on FIC/FCC in pediatric critical care. Searches were performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, with emphasis on contemporary literature from 2015 to April 2026 and inclusion of selected foundational papers when conceptually necessary. Eligible evidence included observational, qualitative, mixed-methods, quality-improvement, pre-post, interventional, guideline, and review literature relevant to family participation in PICU care.Key Content and Findings: The review identifies several recurring themes: the transition from restricted visitation to partnership-based care; practical family participation in routine care, communication, shared decision-making, rehabilitation, and end-of-life contexts; patient- and family-centered outcomes; structural, cultural, linguistic, and resource-related barriers; and the role of interdisciplinary teams, institutional policy, staff education, and digital tools in supporting implementation.Conclusions: Current evidence suggests that FIC may improve family experience, communication, parental confidence, and selected psychosocial outcomes, while its effects on long-term child outcomes and PICS-p require further pediatric-specific evaluation. Future work should prioritize clearer definitions, standardized implementation models, inclusive study designs, and pragmatic outcome measures that reflect both child and family priorities.},
issn = {2224-4344}, url = {https://tp.amegroups.org/article/view/154187}
}