Family-Centered Care for High-Risk Infants and the Roles of Healthcare Professionals

With an increasing trend toward low birth rates and premature births, the importance of managing the health of high-risk infants has received constant emphasis. It is necessary to establish a family-centered care culture in neonatal intensive care units where high-risk infants are hospitalized. This study is intended to examine the current status of family-centered care and the direction of the role played by healthcare professionals, focusing on the characteristics of high-risk infants and their families. Healthcare professionals should listen to the needs of the family and facilitate their involvement to improve the performance of family-centered care and systematic support. Specific guidelines are required to strengthen the competence and leadership of healthcare professionals. The paradigm shift toward family-centered care for high-risk infants is a challenge for healthcare professionals and parents, but it will serve as a vision and strategy to improve the health of high-risk infants and their families by including the family in the healthcare process.