Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Interprofessional Perspectives on Communication Quality in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Qualitative Study
Katherine Guttmann1, Elizabeth Mari, Christine A Fortney
1Author Affiliations: Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York (Guttmann, Mari, and Weintraub); The Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Care, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York (Guttmann); and Martha S. Pitzer Center for Women, Children, and Youth, College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio (Fortney).
Background:
Communication with parents in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) setting is both important and uniquely challenging. Prior research has established that communication quality directly effects patient and parent outcomes in the NICU. A range of provider types comprise the interprofessional NICU team, each bringing a unique perspective. Yet, there is limited literature reflecting these diverse points of view. Although NICU staff often endorse the sentiment that high-quality communication is essential for excellent patient care, it is not clear that providers in different roles define "high-quality communication" in the same way.
Purpose:
To explore interprofessional perspectives of NICU personnel on communication quality.
Methods:
One-question semi-structured interviews were conducted with NICU staff. Thematic analysis was used to explore and compare themes across disciplines.
Results:
Sixty-two staff members were interviewed. Two thematic categories emerged: messaging and dynamics. Messaging sub-themes included: 1) clarity (setting goals; clear and direct language; avoiding jargon; ensuring parents understand) and 2) timing and approach (unhurried; frequent; timely; proactive). Dynamics sub-themes included: 1) team interactions (inclusivity; respect; consistency) and 2) parent-centeredness (parents as key stakeholders; identifying and adapting to needs; creating a safe space; empathy; offering flexible modes of communication).
Implications For Practice And Research:
Although staff members across disciplines have different foci relative to communication quality, excellent communication among teams is essential to ensuring high-quality communication with families. Improving team dynamics, equipping teams with a shared model of communication quality, and ensuring adequate staffing may improve communication.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:25Role of Communication in the Nursing Process II: Planning and Implementation
01:29Levels of Communication I: Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, and Small Group
We can participate in these relationships through verbal, nonverbal, and mediated communication. We engage in verbal communication when we use words during our interaction to convey specific meanings. On the other hand, nonverbal communication refers to various factors that can impact how we understand each other—for example, facial expressions.
We interact with others using mediated technologies like the...
01:25Role of Communication in the Nursing Process I: Assessment and Diagnosis
The nursing process considers the patient's emotional and physical well-being. The process can be repeated or stopped at any point if judged essential. Assessment is the first step in the nursing process.
01:08Role of Communication in the Nursing Process III: Evaluation and Documentation
01:21Barriers to Effective Communication II
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
01:21Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-I
Physicians
The physician's primary responsibility is to diagnose illness and direct the medical or surgical treatment of the condition. The authority to admit patients to a healthcare agency or institution and practice care within that setting is granted to physicians by the healthcare agency or institution itself.