New parent information board created for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to help parents understanding of equipment
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Birmingham Women’s Hospital recently unveiled a large parent information graphic board, which features drawings and explanations of common medical equipment used in the unit to help parents feel more at ease during their stay.
The information board, which has been generously funded by Birmingham Women’s Hospital Charity, was designed to help reduce some of the anxiety parents might feel when their baby is surrounded by complex-looking medical equipment and was created in collaboration with parents who have stayed on the unit.
The idea of the board came from Emma Cawsey, Senior Sister Neonatal Education and BFI Coordinator, after she saw a similar information board at another hospital.
She explained: “We saw a very similar information board whilst visiting my husband's Godson when he was on intensive care after he had collapsed while playing football, and later sadly died.
“Whilst me and my husband Matt both work in the NICU so understand some of the medical terminology and machines, we both felt it was a really good idea and could bring a lot of reassurance to people.
“We presented the idea at our improvement huddle and staff agreed it sounded great, and we took it from there.
“We have added a plaque in Matt’s Godsons' memory, so it’s extra special for us.”
The parent information board was designed in collaboration with colleagues across the unit and with input from parents who have stayed on the NICU, so their ideas could be received.
Feedback from families said: “I saw a similar board on intensive care at another hospital whilst my mum was a patient there and found it useful and reassuring.
“This would be so helpful for parents, because you often leave wondering what things are or searching for what they are online because sometimes you feel like you don’t want to ask too many questions.”
The board was developed alongside the healthcare design specialist company Marles and Barclay and is the first done specially for a neonatal unit.
Emma added: “We had a lot of input in ensuring the equipment reflected our NICU and that the wording was appropriate for our parents.
“We know that a lot of parents struggle with all the medical equipment and terminology around the unit, and it can be a lot for parents to take in.
“We hope that this new board will help bring some comfort to families in what is often a really scary time and help ease some of the anxieties that come with having a baby on the NICU.”