Examining Efficiency in Open-Bay and Single-Family Room NICU Designs.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Design
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Operations
• Workplace Efficiency

Background:

• Growing awareness of physical work environments' impact on efficiency.
• Conflicting factors in NICU efficiency: single-family rooms (SFRs) vs. increased care demand and unit size.
• Need to balance patient-centered care with operational efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• Assess the impact of SFR NICUs on unit design, visibility, proximity, staff time, and workspace utilization.
• Evaluate how architectural changes influence workflow and staff experience in NICUs.
• Identify design features that optimize efficiency in modern NICU environments.

Main Methods:

• Pre-/postoccupancy evaluation of a NICU transitioning from open-bay to SFR design (6 neighborhoods).
• Multimethodological approach combining staff surveys, direct observations, and focus groups.
• Involvement of NICU patient care manager and design/communication researchers.

Main Results:

• SFR NICUs demonstrated increased efficiency and higher overall design satisfaction.
• Decentralized nurse stations were key work locations outside patient rooms, followed by huddle stations, supply rooms, and corridors.
• Staff reported increased isolation, though focus groups indicated mixed perspectives on this concern.

Conclusions:

• Neighborhood unit design, standardized supply access, and proximity of patient rooms and workstations enhance NICU efficiency.
• While isolation was noted, staff preference for proximity to patients may mitigate negative impacts of SFRs.
• Design strategies should prioritize integrated workflows and staff support within SFR NICU environments.