The Impact of Neonatal ICU Single Family Rooms on Select Developmental Outcomes
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a weight gain benefit and earlier achievement to full feedings in the single family room NICU design compared to the multi-bed NICU design.
A retrospective chart review of infants less than 1000 grams born during a three month time frame in both the multi-bed unit and single family unit was conducted. The study compared average daily weight gain and achievement to full feedings in the multi-bed unit and single family room unit. Findings concluded there was a slight difference in the average daily weight gain and achievement to full feedings occurred several days earlier in the single family room unit.
In the single family unit the advanced practice nurses are able to promote a family-centered environment by encouraging rooming in, Kangaroo care, and breastfeeding, all of which were nearly impossible for the parents to accomplish in the multi-bed unit due to lack of space and pr1vacy.