Promoting Family Centered Care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Abstract

While the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is often medically necessary, it can contribute significantly to stress for both infants and their families. Weber and Harrison (2019) identifies stress in the NICU to result from the physical environment, the psychosocial environment, and the medical complex requirements. Family centered care has been established as best practice in NICU settings, with increased evidence supporting its positive impact on infants and families (Lee, 2024). This capstone project was conducted in a level III NICU in central Indiana with the goal of enhancing caregiver education to promote greater caregiver participation and to foster a positive healing environment for infants. In collaboration with the site, the student identified a gap between the literature and the practical implementation of family centered care. A mixed-methods data collection approach, including a pre- and post-survey completed by NICU staff, was utilized to evaluate the project’s effectiveness. Evidence-based educational resources were developed, supporting a more therapeutic and family-inclusive NICU experience. Project evaluation results indicated a positive impact on caregiver education, staff knowledge, and the student’s clinical practice development.