[Assessment of parental satisfaction in a neonatal unit]

Parental satisfaction in a neonatal unit needs to be checked as a quality element in health care.

1/To measure how the severity of the newborn condition influences parental satisfaction. 2/To compare the results before and after moving to a new building.

Parental satisfaction in 87 of the newborns admitted to our neonatal unit over a 10 month period was documented using a questionnaire survey. The newborns were divided into 2 categories, depending on the severity of their condition. Parental satisfaction as regards human and environmental issues was checked as to whether it was affected by the severity of the illness. The impact of the move to a new building on satisfaction was also analysed. Statistical descriptive studies and multivariate models were used.

A polarised tendency was seen between human and environmental aspects. The following issues were statistically significant: visiting hours for parents, and criticisms about furniture, light and physical space. Parents of seriously ill children appreciated the visiting hours but judged the environment negatively. Pain perception in procedures was higher in serious illnesses, and 66% of parents would rather be present during those procedures. When comparing both hospitals, the only significant value regarding the new centre, was the lower perception of information given by the staff. Breastfeeding improved significantly. General satisfaction was high.

Parents of seriously ill newborns are mainly concerned about access hours and comfort. Parent visiting hours and lack of noise and light are significant parameters predicting satisfaction in children with long stays. Perception of access to information got worse in the new hospital, probably due to lack of staff adaptation.