Architectural design, facilities and family participation in neonatal units in Spain: A multicentre study

• Published in: Acta Paediatrica Vol. 113; no. 4; pp. 716 - 721
• Main Authors: Solís-García, Gonzalo, Cambra-Rufino, Laura, Piris Borregas, Salvador, Carrasco Pérez, Andrea, López Maestro, María, De la Cruz Bértolo, Javier, Moral Pumarega, María Teresa, Pallás Alonso, Carmen Rosa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Norway Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.04.2024
• Subjects: developmental care; evidence‐based design; Families & family life; family integrated care; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; Neonatal care; neonatal intensive care unit architecture; Neonates; Parents; Participation; single family rooms; Spain; Surveys and Questionnaires; Spain; single family rooms; developmental care; family integrated care; evidence-based design; neonatal intensive care unit architecture
• ISSN: 0803-5253; 1651-2227; 1651-2227
• DOI: 10.1111/apa.17085

Aim The architecture of neonatal units plays a key role in developmental strategies and preterm outcomes. The aim was to evaluate the design of Spanish neonatal units and its impact on the participation of parents in neonatal care. Methods A web‐based survey was sent to all level III Spanish neonatal units, including questions about hospital data, architectural design, facilities and family participation. Results The study included 63 units. Most units (87%) had part or all the intensive care patients located in open bay units, while 54% had at least one individual patient cubicle. Single family rooms, defined as those including enough space and furniture for family members to stay with the infant without restrictions, were available in 8 units (13%). Eighteen units (29%) had a structured programme of family education. Units with single family rooms were more likely to have parental participation in rounds (p < 0.01), safety protocols (p = 0.02), oxygen management (p < 0.01) and nasogastric tube feeding (p = 0.02), as well as to allow siblings to participate in kangaroo care (p < 0.01). Conclusion Widely variable architectural designs and policies were found in Spanish neonatal units. The presence of single family rooms may have impacted the participation of parents in neonatal care.