A Case Study of Space Use and Visiting Policy in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

This case study of a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) used survey research, with both observation and questionnaire instruments, to explore possible relations between space use in the unit and staff attitudes regarding parental visiting. The results suggest there may be a relationship between the congested overlapping use of space in the unit and staff support for restrictions on visiting in certain situations. The space needs of parents within the nursery need to be addressed in the future NICU designs.