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Updated: Nov 15, 2025

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Factors That Influence NICU Health Care Professionals' Decision Making to Implement Family-Centered Care
Dorothy Vittner1, Stephen DeMeo, Jaxon Vallely
1University of Connecticut, School of Nursing, Storrs (Dr Vittner and Ms Baxter and Parker); WakeMed Health & Hospitals, Raleigh, North Carolina (Dr DeMeo); Campbell University, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Buies Creek, North Carolina (Dr DeMeo); Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk (Dr Vallely); and University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, School of Nursing, San Antonio (Dr McGrath).
Healthcare professionals in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) strongly believe in family-centered care (FCC). However, high stress and burnout may lead to rationing of FCC, necessitating further research into staffing and assignment factors.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Care
- Healthcare Professional Well-being
- Family-Centered Care
Background:
- Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are high-stress environments for professionals, infants, and families.
- Understanding healthcare professionals' perspectives is crucial for optimizing care delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine healthcare professionals' beliefs and perceptions regarding family-centered care (FCC) in the NICU setting.
Main Methods:
- An exploratory descriptive study utilizing an online survey.
- Survey included instruments measuring perceived stress, burnout, and family nurse caring beliefs (FNCBS).
- Demographic and open-ended questions were also incorporated.
Main Results:
- 115 multidisciplinary participants from a level IV NICU reported strong FCC beliefs.
- A significant negative correlation was found between stress and FNCBS scores.
- Years of experience and education correlated with both higher FNCBS and Perceived Stress Scale scores.
Conclusions:
- While NICU professionals value FCC, inadequate staffing and assignments may lead to care rationing.
- Further research is needed to identify factors contributing to FCC rationing.
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