Document Type

Review

Keywords

NICU, Neonatal Care, Family-Centered Care, Health Equity, Minoritized populations, Parent experiences, cultural responsiveness

Abstract

Background: Family-centered care (FCC) is a core component of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) practice, yet families from culturally, racially, ethnically, and linguistically minoritized backgrounds may face barriers to equitable participation in care and decision-making. Understanding these experiences is essential to advancing equity in neonatal care.   Objective: To map the literature describing the experiences of minoritized parents and caregivers in the NICU and identify institutional interventions and healthcare system strategies that support equitable family-centered care and parent-provider partnership.   Methods: This scoping review will follow Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and be reported according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Searches will be conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and APA PsycInfo using a combination of controlled vocabulary and keywords related to NICU care, parents and caregivers, and culturally and linguistically diverse populations. Eligible studies will include qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods, observational, quality improvement, and program evaluation studies published in English between 2020 and 2026.    Results: Data will be summarized descriptively and synthesized narratively to identify common experiences, barriers and facilitators to equitable care, communication and language access challenges, and institutional approaches to supporting minoritized families in the NICU.   Conclusions: This review will provide a comprehensive overview of the current evidence on NICU experiences among minoritized families and highlight opportunities to strengthen equitable family-centered care, clinical partnerships, and health system practices in neonatal settings.

Databases/Repositories Searched

PubMed, Embase.com, CINAHL, APA PsycInfo (EBSCO)R

Funding

No sources of funding

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