Effect of Shifting From Open Bay to Single-Family Rooms on Closeness in a NICU.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

To assess the impact of moving from open bay units (OBU) to single-family rooms (SFR) on parental closeness in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Methods

This observational longitudinal cohort study was conducted between February 2021 and January 2024, during which time the setting changed from OBU to SFR with a mixed phase in between. All parent-infant dyads were eligible for inclusion. The self-reported time present in the unit, lap holding, and skin-to-skin care (SSC) were used to measure parental closeness.

Results

833 dyads of parents and infants were included (365 OBU, 140 mixed, 328 SFR phase). Parental presence increased for mothers from 210 min/day in the OBU to 420 min/day (p = 0.000) in the SFR, and for partners from 180 to 360 min/day (p < 0.001)

SUBMITTER: Wielenga JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12336955 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature