Great expectations? Parental participation in care

A structured questionnaire was used to compare the views of 80 parents and nurses examining expectations of parental participation in care. Nurses and parents shared many expectations. However, there were instances when parents expected a different and sometimes greater level of participation. A lack of negotiation between parents and nurses with regard to expected roles resulted in parents often feeling unable to express their desired level of participation. Both parties indicated that if parents received greater guidance and support, it would be possible for their expectations to be met more adequately.