Designed for Satisfaction The Impact of Single-Family Room Neonatal Intensive Care Units on Family Presence and Satisfaction

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the extent to which single-family room (SFR) designs enhance family presence and satisfaction and to examine the impact of built environment factors such as proximity, access, privacy, technology, lighting, and acoustics on these outcomes. Background: The SFR neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) presents a highly intricate setting with distinctive design attributes. This study investigated a NICU environment moving from an open-bay model to a single-family unit. Methods: A comprehensive research study was conducted by a NICU patient care manager and researchers specializing in design and health communication. Quantitative data were collected from NICU family participants by electronic surveys and 30 hours of observation focused on occupancy. Qualitative data were gathered through 7 focus groups and 1 interview. Results: The findings reveal that single-family designs can facilitate enhanced feelings of safety, privacy, and satisfaction among families but support the desire for enhanced social opportunities among parents. The patient room was predominantly occupied by the patient, nursing staff, and family. Conclusions: This study further validates that SFR NICUs are beneficial for families when compared to open-bay designs. Implications for Practice and Research: As NICUs continue to increase in size, research should understand the impact this has on parental access to staff and concerns about isolation. This study highlights the importance of privacy, acoustics, and the implementation of technology in enhancing parental satisfaction. Optimizing NICU design positively influences parents’ experiences, reinforcing the ongoing commitment to improving the environment for infant care.