Effect of Shifting From Open Bay to Single-Family Rooms on Closeness in a NICU

Aim: To assess the impact of moving from open bay units (OBU) to single-family rooms (SFR) on parental closeness in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Methods: This observational longitudinal cohort study was conducted between February 2021 and January 2024, during which time the setting changed from OBU to SFR with a mixed phase in between. All parent-infant dyads were eligible for inclusion. The self-reported time present in the unit, lap holding, and skin-to-skin care (SSC) were used to measure parental closeness. Results: 833 dyads of parents and infants were included (365 OBU, 140 mixed, 328 SFR phase). Parental presence increased for mothers from 210 min/day in the OBU to 420 min/day (p = 0.000) in the SFR, and for partners from 180 to 360 min/day (p < 0.001). Only for mothers, lap holding time increased from 100 min/day in the OBU to 120 min/day in the SFR phase (p = 0.046). SSC increased from 120 to 160 min/day (p = 0.002) for mothers and from 110 to 130 min/day (p = 0.004) for partners. These findings were independent of gestational age. Conclusion: Moving from an OBU to SFR setting increased parental closeness in the NICU. However, more changes are needed to meet the EFCNI and WHO recommendations.