Staff perceptions and challenges of the single-family room design—Experience of a greenfield level4 neonatal intensive care unit in the Middle East

Aim: This study was undertaken to specifically identify challenges associated with the popular single-family room (SFR) design in our new neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), so as to reap the full benefits of this architectural model. Methods: A survey was sent to all 223, newly recruited staff on our NICU. Questions explored staff perceptions of family experience, safety and staff's experience of the SFR in comparison with the open bay model. Results: We obtained a response rate of 66%. Most staff perceived SFR as having a positive impact on communication with families, privacy, feasibility for skin-to-skin contact, reduction in noise levels and family access to their baby. There were however concerns raised about patient safety and isolation of staff and families in the SFR architecture. Lack of opportunities to leave the patient room for breaks and increased physical demands were highlighted. Staff also felt physically and emotionally less well supported. Conclusion: Whilst the SFR configuration was felt to be beneficial for infants and families, staff shared their perceived concerns regarding infant safety and isolation and staff satisfaction, and implied modifications to workflows. The survey findings resulted in re-organisation of our staff numbers and communication systems and further facilitation of parent interactions in order to optimise benefits of SFR design.