The needs of parents with a child on an adult intensive therapy unit.

This review examines, by means of a literature search, the needs of parents who have a critically ill child on adult intensive therapy units. These needs are compared with the needs of relatives of adult patients in ITUs. Whether nurses trained in adult nursing have the necessary skills, knowledge and attitudes to care for the parents is also discussed. Recommendations for ensuring care of the parent point to addressing skills gaps in adult-trained nurses and to reappraising visiting policies.