Intra-NICU Patient Transfers: A Study of Frequency and Family and Staff Perceptions

(a) Quantify frequency of patient moves within a NICU with single patient and semi-private rooms (SPR). (b) Compare staff and parent perceptions of these moves.

A hospital administrative database was evaluated to quantify the frequency of moves. A Room Change Questionnaire was devised to evaluate perceptions from NICU families and staff.

Most families reported experiencing at least 1 patient move (92 percent), with the majority reporting at least 3 moves (58 percent). Staff perceived moves as negative significantly more than parents (p < .01), and overreported negative family perceptions (p < .01). Overall, moves did not bother families (52 percent); however, most families who moved 3 or more times reported at least 1 negative perception (63 percent).

SFRs increase the number of patient moves. NICU staff's perception is significantly more negative than family's perception; however, most families who were moved frequently reported at least 1 negative perception.