Parents' experiences during their child's stay in the NICU or PICU: a scoping review

Purpose To map the available evidence on the experiences and needs of parents of critically ill children in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) or PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit). Methods A literature search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Scopus, and gray literature on September 2nd, 2024, and updated on February 23rd, 2026. Studies were screened, and data were extracted by two independent reviewers. Findings were summarized narratively and presented in tables. Results The review findings were grouped into seven categories: the emotional and psychological impact; parents' needs and fears during hospitalization; individual factors that influence the experience; intensive care unit factors that influence the experience; the characteristics and attitudes of health professionals; and discharge and nursing interventions that facilitate and promote parenting. Conclusions Attitudes, communication, and parental involvement of healthcare professionals in their child's care and decision-making significantly impact parents' experiences and stress levels. This can have short- and long-term effects on parents and their child. Understanding parents' experiences in the NICU and PICU will enable nurses to recognize their experiences and needs and help them to improve the care they provide. Practice implications Hospitalization in the NICU or PICU can be highly stressful. Nurses play a crucial role in supporting parents during the transition to parenthood or changes in parental roles by addressing their needs and implementing practices such as early parent–infant contact, involving parents in their child's care, and encouraging their presence on the unit.