Judy Smith, MHA

Abstract:

This article guides NICU stakeholders and others planning new construction, renovation, or evaluation of NICU design. The author poses six common questions related to the strategic and facility planning of a NICU. Responses to these questions are provided within the context of current thinking, best practices, and emerging trends. Keeping up with information about planning state-of-the-art NICUs helps achieve more informed decisions and better designs.

The annual Gravens Conference includes a design track where NICU participants, families, researchers, planners, architects, and others share evidence-based design, experience, and new ideas. Stories abound about NICU stakeholders who arrived at the conference with design plans in hand and then went home with changed plans when rich discussions and research illuminated their perspectives.

Over the years, the conference has framed common questions for planning today’s NICU design. While questions and objectives may not have changed significantly, the responses have evolved with research and experience.

Well-informed decisions help achieve the best possible NICU design. This article elaborates on a few typical topics that arise earlyin planning a NICU project. This information might also help dispel myths about NICU design that could surface during design planning exercises.

1. What NICU design models prevail?
2. What sizes are today’s NICU rooms and units?
3. What is the status of neonatal couplet care?
4. What factors are NICUs considering to decide on highly specialized versus universaldesign for patient care areas?
5. How are NICUs addressing the senses and neuroprotective best practices?
6. What’s on the horizon for future NICU design?

[READ FULL NICU DESIGN ARTICLE BELOW REFERENCES]

References:

1. Vermont Oxford Network (VON), NICU by the Numbers, https://public.vtoxford.org/nicu-by-the-numbers/increasingly-nicus-integrate-families-into-care-with-single-family-rooms/, accessed May 2022.
2. Facility Guidelines Institute, Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospitals, 2022 edition.
3. Consensus Committee for Recommended Design Standards for Advanced Neonatal Care, Recommended Standards for Newborn ICU Design, 9th edition, released March 2019. https://nicudesign.nd.edu/
4. Susan Ratcliffe, ed. (2016). “Roy Amara 1925–2007, American futurologist”. Oxford Essential Quotations. Vol. 1 (4th ed.). Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/acref/9780191826719.001.0001.

Disclosure: The author has no conflicts of interest