Factors Influencing Parents' Perception of Their Infants' Transition From a 6-Bed Pod to Single Family Room in a Mixed-Room Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Background: While hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), infants and their families undergo multiple transitions, and these have been found to be a source of stress for families. Although mixed-room NICU designs allow for infants to benefit from different room types as their needs evolve during their stay, these can necessitate a transfer from one room type to another, which represents a transition for families. As some NICUs change to mixed-room designs, there is a need to better understand the factors impacting these particular transitions from the perception of parents.

Purpose: Examine parent perceptions of factors affecting the transition from a 6-bed pod to single family room in a mixed-room design NICU.

Methods: Using a qualitative descriptive design, semistructured interviews were conducted with 17 parents whose infant had transitioned from a 6-bed pod to single family room. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and then analyzed using content analysis.

Results: Four categories of factors were identified: (1) framing, timing, and comprehensiveness of information provided by staff regarding the transition; (2) parents' perception of advantages and disadvantages of the new space; (3) parent's own well-being and quality of support from staff; and (4) parent's previous NICU and parenting experience.

Implications For Practice: Staff should frame the information they provide about this transition in a positive way to help parents adjust. A family-centered approach should also be used to provide tailored information and support to individual families.

Implications For Research: Future studies are needed into intraunit transfers including sources of support for parents, as well as staff perceptions of these transitions.