Implementation of a Web Camera System in an Australian Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Pre- and Postevaluation of the Parent and Staff Experience

Abstract

Abstract BackgroundAdmission to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for prematurity or illness is necessary for approximately 20% of newborns in Australia, resulting in parent-infant separation. Web cameras in the NICU provide a virtual link for parents to remain remotely connected to their infant during admission. Web camera use is increasing; however, there is limited evidence on the impact of web cameras on parents, infants, and neonatal staff. ObjectiveThere were two objectives: (1) to determine the attitudes of parents and staff toward web cameras in the NICU and (2) to compare parental depression, anxiety, and stress levels using validated scales before and after web camera implementation in the NICU. MethodsA pre- and postevaluation survey was administered before and after implementation of the NICVIEW ResultsIn total, 94 parents and 109 staff members completed the pre- and postimplementation surveys. Post implementation, 43 of 44 (98%) parents supported web cameras, and 40 of 42 (95%) parents stated that they used web cameras. The most common reasons for support from parents included web cameras making parents feel more at ease, facilitating parent-infant bonding, increasing parental confidence in staff, and allowing others to see infants. There was no significant difference between the parental groups for the depression, anxiety, or stress scales measured by DASS-21. Staff support for web cameras increased significantly from 34 of 42 (81%) participants before to 64 of 67 (96%) participants after implementation (P ConclusionsWeb camera use in a tertiary Australian NICU was strongly supported by parents and staff and may reduce parental stress, facilitate parent-infant bonding, and encourage positive parent-staff engagement. Web cameras are a feasible method of providing continuity of care for families and should be considered as a standard of care in similarly resourced settings.