Effects of Family-Centered Nursing on Psychological Well-Being and Quality of Life in Children with Severe Pneumonia in the Intensive Care Unit: A Prospective Study

Background: Pneumonia is a common and frequently occurring disease in pediatric patients. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of family-centered nursing on psychological well-being and quality of life (QOL) in children with severe pneumonia in the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: A total of 98 children admitted between April 2021 and January 2023 were selected and divided into an observation group (n = 49) and a control group (n = 49) using a random number table. The control group received routine nursing care, while the observation group received family-centered nursing in addition to routine care. All children were cared for from admission until transfer out of the ICU or discharge. Clinical manifestations, blood gas analysis indicators, QOL scores, psychological status scores, and family satisfaction with care were compared between the two groups before and after two weeks of care. Results: After two weeks of nursing, ICU stay length, time to return to normal temperature, and resolution time for lung moist rales were all shorter in the observation group compared to the control group. The observation group showed greater improvements in partial pressure of oxygen, partial pressure of carbon dioxide, and oxygen saturation compared to the control group. Additionally, scores for physical function, social function, emotional function, and family satisfaction in the observation group were higher than those in the control group. Conclusions: Family-centered nursing effectively improves clinical manifestations, blood gas levels, psychological well-being, and QOL in children with severe pneumonia in the ICU, while also enhancing family satisfaction with care.