Original Article

Journal of Perinatology (2006) 26, S38–S48. doi:10.1038/sj.jp.7211583

The impact of single family room design on patients and caregivers: executive summary

D D Harris1, M M Shepley2, R D White3, K J S Kolberg4 and J W Harrell5

  1. 1Department of Interior Design, College of Design, Construction and Planning, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
  2. 2Department of Architecture, College of Architecture, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
  3. 3Regional Newborn Program, Memorial Hospital, South Bend, IN, USA
  4. 4Center for Health Sciences Advising, College of Science, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
  5. 5Harrell Group, Inc., Cincinnati, OH, USA

Correspondence: Assistant Professor DD Harris, Department of Interior Design, College of Design, Construction, and Planning, University of Florida, 348 ARCH/PO Box 115705, Gainesville, FL 32611-5705, USA. E-mail: debraharris@dcp.ufl.edu

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Abstract

Objective:

 

To explore the implications of the single family room (SFR) care environment of neonatal intensive care units (NICU) compared to Open-bay, Combination and Double-occupancy configurations, focusing on family experience, neonate outcomes, staff perceptions, cost and environmental design.

Study design:

 

This study uses a multimethod design with 11 Level III NICUs. Space allocations, construction costs, staff preferences and perceptions, and occupant behaviors were evaluated.

Results:

 

SFR NICU design provides solutions for increasing parent privacy and presence, supporting Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliance, minimizing the number of undesirable beds, increasing staff satisfaction and reducing staff stress.

Conclusion:

 

The analysis of this study suggests that there are benefits to SFR NICU. This study is an initial, comprehensive effort, the purpose of which is to spawn future, narrower, in-depth studies focused on SFR NICU design.

Keywords:

environment, behavior, preference, stress, NICU, perception

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