The Impact of Neonatal ICU Single Family Rooms on Select Developmental Outcomes
<p>The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a weight gain benefit and earlier achievement to full feedings in the single family room NICU design compared to the multi-bed NICU design.</p> <p>A retrospective chart review of infants less than 1000 grams born during a three month time frame in both the multi-bed unit and single family unit was conducted. The study compared average daily weight gain and achievement to full feedings in the multi-bed unit and single family room unit. Findings concluded there was a slight difference in the average daily weight gain and achievement to full feedings occurred several days earlier in the single family room unit.</p> <p>In the single family unit the advanced practice nurses are able to promote a family-centered environment by encouraging rooming in, Kangaroo care, and breastfeeding, all of which were nearly impossible for the parents to accomplish in the multi-bed unit due to lack of space and pr1vacy.</p>