Enhancing Shared Decision Making in Neonatal Care

This document provides a good practice framework for all healthcare professionals working with babies. It aims to provide guidance on communication, information sharing and explanation of foreseeable risks, recognising the limited evidence base that exists. Consent for neonatal care should involve provision of clear information and the building of trust between healthcare professionals and parents.

This document reflects the move towards information-sharing and individualised decision-making and the role of “consent” within this. It does not aim to provide an in depth evaluation of the rationale behind involving parents in decision making but rather we hope it provides some practical guidance on how to apply these principles in day-to-day clinical practice.