Description:

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about severe parental restriction policies in Canadian NICUs, despite evidence suggesting that parent presence is critical to infant and family health outcomes. To address this issue, a national survey was conducted to assess the impact of these policies, and consensus recommendations were co-created using Delphi methods and Values and Preferences consensus meetings. This session will present the top 10 evidence-based recommendations for parental presence in Canadian NICUs, including essential caregiver status, skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding support, and mental health and psychosocial services access. These recommendations will provide guidance for ongoing and future pandemic management and policies, promoting equitable health care for infants and their families.