Equitable therapeutic design: how inclusively designed spaces help NICU families heal, connect, and thrive

Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) are often designed to primarily optimize the health of critically ill newborns. However, prolonged hospitalizations and stressors, in particular for diverse families can lead to alienation. In this Perspective, we explore how NICUs can be designed to center the diversity of families care for in the NICU including, but not limited to, racial and ethnic diversity, LGBTQ+ headed families, non-traditional families, families with disabled caregivers, families who prefer a language other than English, and those with low health literacy. Through thoughtful and inclusive designed spaces, we highlight how a NICU can become a place of healing for families and infants and foster a sense of inclusion and belonging.