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A unit’s experience with hybrid NICU design: description of care model and implications for patients, families, and professionals

Journal of Perinatology volume 43, pages 35–39 (2023)Cite this article

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Abstract

As the first extra-uterine setting for hospitalized infants, the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) environment can make a lasting impact on their long-term neurodevelopment. This impact is likely mediated through both specific characteristics of the physical design of the care environment, as well as the experiences that occur within this environment. Recent studies document many established benefits of single-family rooms (SFRs). However, there is concern that infants who spend a prolonged time in SFRs without their parents being intimately involved in their care have reduced opportunities for meaningful experiences, with possible adverse consequences. The purpose of this report is to share an example of an application of the family-centered developmental care model through a hybrid NICU design, inclusive of both SFRs and semi-private bays. In this paper, we empirically describe the physical and operational considerations of a hybrid model, outline the strengths and challenges of this approach, and discuss implications for patients, families, and professionals.

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Acknowledgements

We thank our Brigham and Women’s Hospital NICU patients, families, and interdisciplinary colleagues for their contributions and support in preparing this report.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Division of Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, USA

    Carmina Erdei, Gabriel Cote Corriveau & Terrie E. Inder

  2. Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA, USA

    Carmina Erdei & Terrie E. Inder

  3. Division of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Orange County and University of California Irvine, 1001 Health Sciences Road, Irvine, CA, USA

    Terrie E. Inder

Authors
  1. Carmina Erdei
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  2. Gabriel Cote Corriveau
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  3. Terrie E. Inder
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Contributions

TI conceptualized the design and model of care of the hybrid neonatal intensive care unit described here. CE and TI led the implementation of the Growth and Development Unit and pertinent programming described and conceptualized the elements presented in this descriptive report. GCC conducted an updated literature review and contributed to drafting the manuscript. CE drafted the initial manuscript, and reviewed and revised the manuscript. All authors approved the final manuscript as submitted and are accountable for all aspects of the work.

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Correspondence to Carmina Erdei.

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Erdei, C., Corriveau, G.C. & Inder, T.E. A unit’s experience with hybrid NICU design: description of care model and implications for patients, families, and professionals. J Perinatol 43 (Suppl 1), 35–39 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-023-01815-0

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