A Comprehensive Comparison of Open-Bay and Single-Family-Room Neonatal Intensive Care Units at Sanford Children's Hospital.

Objective: This paper summarizes the results of a comprehensive comparison of open-bay (OPBY) and single-family-room (SFR) neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) designs.Background: The NICU expanded from 7000 ft2 in two large rooms to 27,000 ft2 with 45 individual family spaces.Results: Sound measurements indicated a significant reduction in the unoccupied SFR to less than half of the levels in the OPBY NICU. However, respiratory support equipment generated levels well above those of the ambient environment. Illumination was significantly reduced in the SFR. Ambient illumination in nursing work areas was less than recommended. In other comparisons with the OPBY NICU the SFR NICU was shown to have: a shorter interval until full enteric feedings were established; improved parent satisfaction; improved staff perceptions of the environment and care; a decrease in nurses State-Trait Anxiety scores; an increased need for total numbers of staff and nursing staff per shift; increased walking per shift by nurses and...