[Single Patient Room Design in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit - Parent Perceptions of Open Ward vs. Single Patient Room Units].

Background: Single patient room design is not yet implemented in German neonatal intensive care units. Surveys from other countries revealed positive and negative implications on the staff, the patients and their families. The survey examines the perceptions of parents who experienced both facilities - the traditional multipatient ward and the individual patient room - during their babies' hospital stays.

Methods: A standardized questionnaire was used to assess the perceptions of parents. The results were compared to international surveys.

Results: During their stay in the single patient room, parents noticed improvements in privacy and data protection and a reduction in harmful environmental stimuli affecting their babies. These results are comparable to those of international surveys.

Conclusions: Single patient room design is mostly perceived as an improvement by parents. The room design can complement an implemented concept of developmental and family-centered care.