Communicating difficult news in neonatal ICU: an integrative review

Authors

Abstract

Communicating difficult news in neonatal intensive care units is a complex and challenging process
that requires sensitivity, technical preparation, and ethics. This study aimed to synthesize and critically
analyze recent scientific production on the topic via an integrative literature review. The review
was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and analyzed ten studies published between 2017
and 2025. The findings were organized into four thematic categories. Gaps in professional training,
lack of institutional protocols, and the emotional impact on professionals stood out as obstacles
to communication. Nevertheless, training in communication skills and the use of protocols for
communicating difficult news proved promising in this context. Communicating difficult news in the
neonatal intensive care unit environment requires an empathetic, individualized, and culturally sensitive
approach, which impacts reception, trust, and quality of care in moments of extreme vulnerability.

Keywords:

Truth Disclosure, Intensive Care Units, Neonatal, Medicine, Truth disclosure. Intensive care units, neonatal. Medicine.

Author Biographies

Micael Douglas de Souza Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Pará, Belém/PA, Brasil.

Micael Douglas de Souza Gomes – Graduando – micaeld.gomes@gmail.com
0000-0003-4628-2288

Enzo Gabriel Lacerda Rodrigues , Universidade do Estado do Pará, Belém/PA, Brasil.

Enzo Gabriel Lacerda Rodrigues – Graduando – enzolacerda.med@gmail.com
0009-0003-2346-2099

Vitória Campos Cordeiro, Universidade do Estado do Pará, Belém/PA, Brasil.

Vitoria Campos Cordeiro – Graduanda – vitoria.campos.cordeiro@gmail.com
0009-0003-6069-1886

Ellem Bruna Lopes Pinheiro, Universidade do Estado do Pará, Belém/PA, Brasil.

Ellem Bruna Lopes Pinheiro – Graduanda – ellem.blpinheiro@aluno.uepa.br
0009-0007-0932-7818

Nayara Letícia da Silva Cruz , Universidade do Estado do Pará, Belém/PA, Brasil.

Nayara Letícia da Silva Cruz – Graduanda – nayaraleticias.cruz@gmail.com
0009-0005-2896-4965

Ana Cristina Vidigal Soeiro, Universidade do Estado do Pará, Belém/PA, Brasil.

Ana Cristina Vidigal Soeiro – Doutora – acsoeiro1@gmail.com
0000-0002-1669-3839

Vol. 34 (2026): Continuous publication

Published:

2026-07-27

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-803420264051PT

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How to Cite

1.
Douglas de Souza Gomes M, Gabriel Lacerda Rodrigues E, Campos Cordeiro V, Bruna Lopes Pinheiro E, Letícia da Silva Cruz N, Vidigal Soeiro AC. Communicating difficult news in neonatal ICU: an integrative review. Rev. Bioét. [Internet]. 2026 Jul. 27 [cited 2026 Aug. 26];34. Available from: https://revistabioetica.cfm.org.br/revista_bioetica/article/view/4051

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