Improving communication with parents: the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Empathy Workshop

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Healthcare Communication
• Neonatal Care

Background:

• Effective communication is crucial in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
• Improving healthcare provider communication skills can enhance patient and family experiences.
• Parental emotional support and information are key aspects of NICU care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate an "Empathy Workshop" for NICU healthcare providers.
• To enhance communication skills among NICU healthcare professionals.
• To assess the impact of improved communication on parental experiences in the NICU.

Main Methods:

• A 2-year study involving staff-led, small group "Empathy Workshops".
• NICU parents completed pre- and post-intervention surveys (Picker Institute Parent Experiences of Neonatal Care Survey).
• NICU healthcare providers completed self-assessments of communication skills at three time points.

Main Results:

• Parent survey scores significantly improved regarding addressing infants by first name and receiving emotional support.
• Significant improvements were noted in parental access to information on support groups.
• Healthcare providers reported increased comfort in daily communication, discussing end-of-life issues, managing anxiety, and handling difficult situations.

Conclusions:

• The "Empathy Workshop" effectively enhanced NICU provider communication abilities.
• The intervention successfully improved the emotional support provided to NICU parents.
• Enhanced communication skills contribute to a better overall experience for families in the NICU.