[Perceptions of newborns' families about the communication of bad news].

The present study aims to describe how families perceive the communication of bad news about hospitalized newborns given by professionals. A qualitative and descriptive study was carried out with families of hospitalized newborns in the neonatal unit. Five mothers and one father were interviewed The thematic analysis of data revealed four categories: Message content in relation to clarity, detailing and not disclosed information. The way the news was transmitted: leads to ambiguity in reactions. Families' perceptions aboutprofessionals' attitudes to transmit the news: sometimes attitudes are different depending on the professional's experience and involvement with the customer. Use of communication strategies for message transmission: considered by the families as a mean to minimize the gravity of the baby's problem. The results pointed out the use of a non symmetrical communication between professional-family The adoption of a team practice, which incorporates it in its interventions, may meet the families' needs of information and social support.