Communicating difficult news in neonatal ICU: an integrative review

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