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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
Results of the premature birth national need-gap study
Insights
Most parents are satisfied with neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) care, but a significant minority desire more information and interaction. Improving family-centered care in NICUs can enhance outcomes for premature infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Pediatric nursing
- Family-centered care
Background:
- Family-centered care is a standard in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
- Parental involvement is crucial for premature infants' well-being.
- NICUs aim to integrate families into the care process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate parents' experiences and involvement in premature infants' care within NICUs.
- To identify successes and areas for improvement in family-centered care practices.
- To assess parental satisfaction with care in the NICU setting.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 502 parents with infants born prematurely (gestational age ≤36 weeks).
- Infants were either currently in or had previously experienced NICU care (age ≤30 months).
- Data collected on parental experiences with access, attention, and information.
Main Results:
- Majority of parents reported reasonable satisfaction with physician and nurse interactions.
- Approximately 25% of parents were only moderately satisfied.
- Nearly 10% of parents expressed dissatisfaction with their NICU experience.
Conclusions:
- While progress in family-centered care exists, further improvements are needed.
- Enhancing information provision and interaction opportunities for families is recommended.
- Improved family engagement in NICUs may lead to better infant outcomes.
Objective:
Family-centered care is a standard of practice in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The purpose of the study was to assess successes and opportunities for improvement with parents' experiences and involvement in their premature infants' care in NICUs.
Study Design:
Researchers' surveyed 502 parents whose children were currently < or =30 months old, had been born at a gestational age < or =36 weeks and had gone through or were currently in NICUs.
Result:
Most parents of premature infants were reasonably satisfied with the access, attention and information received from physicians and nurses in the NICU. However, approximately one-fourth were only moderately satisfied and nearly 10% were dissatisfied.
Conclusion:
While progress has been made in meeting the needs of parents in the NICU, more work needs to be carried out to improve family-centered care efforts. Specific attention should be given to providing more information and interaction opportunities for families, which may ultimately improve NICU outcomes.
