Quality predictors of parental satisfaction after birth of infants with life-limiting conditions

Abstract

Aim: This study examines parental satisfaction with care received in the context of a life‐limiting foetal diagnosis and subsequent birth.

Methods: Survey methods were utilised to embed the Quality Indicators (QI) and Parental Satisfaction of Perinatal Palliative Care Instrument in a survey: ‘The Voice of Parents’.

Results: The web‐based survey had a final sample of N = 405 parent responders. Overall, parents reported satisfaction with care (80.2%; n = 393). Parents satisfied with care reported higher agreement with quality indicator items for all subscales. In total, 17 items from the 41‐item instrument revealed the ability to predict higher parental satisfaction when particular QI are reported.

Conclusion: This study has led to credible insights into parental satisfaction with care given after the birth of an infant with a life‐limiting condition. The findings contribute to development of a model with a good fit in ascertaining the importance of compassion, unhurried provider–patient communication and bereavement interventions.