Architectural design, facilities and family participation in neonatal units in Spain: A multicentre study

Aim: The architecture of neonatal units plays a key role in developmental strategies and preterm outcomes. The aim was to evaluate the design of Spanish neonatal units and its impact on the participation of parents in neonatal care.

Methods: A web-based survey was sent to all level III Spanish neonatal units, including questions about hospital data, architectural design, facilities and family participation.

Results: The study included 63 units. Most units (87%) had part or all the intensive care patients located in open bay units, while 54% had at least one individual patient cubicle. Single family rooms, defined as those including enough space and furniture for family members to stay with the infant without restrictions, were available in 8 units (13%). Eighteen units (29%) had a structured programme of family education. Units with single family rooms were more likely to have parental participation in rounds (p < 0.01), safety protocols (p = 0.02), oxygen management (p < 0.01) and nasogastric tube feeding (p = 0.02), as well as to allow siblings to participate in kangaroo care (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Widely variable architectural designs and policies were found in Spanish neonatal units. The presence of single family rooms may have impacted the participation of parents in neonatal care.