Abstract
This quality improvement initiative was undertaken in a tertiary care neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to improve communication between the HCP and parents related to the sick neonates admitted in NICU as measured by increase in parental satisfaction score from base line (34.5%) to 80% in 3 months time. A team was formulated to evaluate the reasons for low parental satisfaction resulting from communication between HCP and the parents of sick neonates and to further plan strategies for improving the same. Multiple PDSA cycles were implemented. The results of the all PDSA cycles were discussed amongst team members. Satisfaction of parents related to communication with HCP increased to more than 80% in 3 months time followed by increase up to 90% in sustenance phase. Multiple simple feasible interventions led to improvement in communication between the HCP and parents as evident by increase in satisfaction score (40.8 ± 4.3 vs. 40.8 ± 4.3 vs. 91.3 ± 4.8, p < 0.001). There was significant improvement in the satisfaction scores of the mothers on communication related to sick neonate in NICU at the end of intervention phase as well as in the sustenance phase. Multiple simple doable and feasible interventions had led to the improvement in communication between the HCP and parents hence improving the satisfaction of parents related to their communication with HCP.
Highlights
Hospitalization of a sick neonate in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a source of stress for their parents
There was significant improvement in the satisfaction scores of the mothers on communication related to sick neonate in NICU at the end of intervention phase as well as in the sustenance phase
Multiple simple doable and feasible interventions had led to the improvement in communication between the health care professionals (HCP) and parents improving the satisfaction of parents related to their communication with HCP
Summary
Hospitalization of a sick neonate in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a source of stress for their parents. [5] Higher parental satisfaction and lower stress levels are considered to be the major determinants in the prompt recovery of the neonate as well the postpartum mother.[6,7] Studies have identified 11 dimensions of care as important to parents whose infants receive neonatal intensive care: assurance, caring, communication, consistent information, education, environment, follow-up care, pain management, participation, proximity, and support.[8] The existing system does not allow active participation of mothers in newborn care. [5] Higher parental satisfaction and lower stress levels are considered to be the major determinants in the prompt recovery of the neonate as well the postpartum mother.[6,7] Studies have identified 11 dimensions of care as important to parents whose infants receive neonatal intensive care: assurance, caring, communication, consistent information, education, environment, follow-up care, pain management, participation, proximity, and support.[8]
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