Parents' values: a missing link in the neonatal intensive care equation.

: Neonatal intensive care has become a widely accepted component of our health care system. Its acceptance and growth are related to increased technology and specialization. However, little consideration has been given to the process of making decisions about the use of neonatal intensive care from the perspective of the patient's family. This article reviews the existing literature related to parents' opinions and perceptions of care in the NICU and proposes a framework for the exploration of the value systems of parents of infants requiring neonatal intensive care.