The literature reviewed demonstrates that parental participation is a complex issue which has been viewed mainly in a fragmented manner which does not recognize the integrated holistic nature of parent-nurse partnership. There is a dearth of research which focuses upon parents' perspectives and expectations of participation. Furthermore, there is an assumption that parental participation is unproblematic which precludes the identification of social and environmental constraints. The current level of knowledge about nurses' attitudes regarding parental participation is limited. There is an absence of clear indicators of how parental participation may be facilitated and supported in the institutional setting. It is proposed that further research is required which determines the extent of parental participation and which considers the lived experiences of both the parents and nurses of parental participation. Improved care for children and families could result from efforts directed to those endeavours.