Implementing Technology to Improve Family Centered Care and Workflow in the NICU

Parents of infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit endure a significant amount of stress and anxiety transitioning to parenthood. The plan of having a baby most often did not include admission to the NICU. The NICU team strives to promote an environment conducive to the Family Centered Care Model, inclusive of parents as partners in care. The incorporation of education and support to parents, as well as opening the lines of communication will foster a positive environment for parents, infants, and the NICU team forming a cohesive team approach to care. Implementation of a web-based program through the March of Dimes NICU Family Support Program, will not only fill in the void of education, but also facilitate an environment of comfort, bonding, communication, as well as reducing stress. Empowering parents in the NICU leads to increased involvement in patient care, advocacy and bonding; further improving patient care, outcomes and potentially reducing length of stay (Zimmerman, 2012).  

The implementation of the FCC Model and the March of Dimes web-based educational-support program for parents elicits improved nursing workflow at the bedside, facilitating an environment of reduced stress, effective bonding and parent involvement; while increasing nursing time at the bedside promoting Family Centered Care (see diagram).  Workflow by definition takes into consideration the tasks and activities involved in nursing care to complete a project (Whittenberg, 2010).  Parents can take ownership and accountability for their educational needs and video requirements (CPR, Shaken Baby and SIDS) prior to discharge; combined with continuous NICU team support.  The information from the Family Support Program will interface with the EMR and become part of the infant chart noting the education requirements prior to discharge, what has been completed and where deficits or needs are required.  The future of healthcare combines technology with bedside support to facilitate ongoing high quality, efficient care, to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.

References

March of Dimes (2015). NICU Family Support. Retrieved: February 19, 2015. http://www.marchofdimes.org/mission/march-of-dimes-services-in-the-nicu.aspx#

Whittenberg, N.(2010). Workflow Viewpoints. Journal of Health Information Management. 24(3):71-75.

Zimmerman, K., Baursachs, C. (2012). Empowering NICU Parents. International Journal of Childbirth Education. 27(1):50-53.