Abstract
Purpose: This QI project implemented a developmental care program to increase parental involvement in the care of their infant in the Doernbecher Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (DNICU).|Background: Premature infants account for ~10% of births in the US, they require care in the NICU, and are at risk for disabilities and developmental delays. The NICU is a stressful environment and limits family interaction and can impede bonding. Family-centered developmental care is aimed at decreasing the negative effects of the NICU. Parent participation is a key element, and parent participation and satisfaction in the DNICU is perceived as being low. Additionally, no developmental care framework was utilized in the unit. Therefore, the Supporting and Enhancing NICU Sensory Experiences (SENSE) program was implemented to encourage parent participation and satisfaction.|Sample/Setting: The DNICU is a level IV NICU, with ~ 560 admissions per year. The target population was parents of infants born at ≤ 32 week’s gestation. The sample was obtained from the target population who were English speaking.
Methods: The SENSE program included paper and electronic copies of parent education booklets. Program materials were used to educate staff and parents. Pre- and post-implementation surveys using the Parent Participation Tool were used to assess parent’s satisfaction with their level of participation.
Results: All full time and part time nurses were educated in the first four months. Six pre-implementation surveys were completed and had a mean satisfaction score of 4.8/5. Three post-implementation surveys were submitted and had a mean satisfaction score of 3.7/5. Most parents indicated that they visited daily.|Conclusion: Parents are overall satisfied with their level of participation in the NICU. A larger and more inclusive sample may be needed to detect significant differences.