Continuous quality improvement in the neonatal intensive care unit: evaluating parent satisfaction.

A comprehensive approach to the delivery of family-centered care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) requires that parental perceptions of caregiving be addressed. The Parent Feedback Questionnaire is based on researched needs of NICU parents. Specific dimensions of needs (informational, emotional, parenting, and environmental) and overall satisfaction are identified and included in survey items. Ongoing feedback from parents is obtained and incorporated into a planned multidisciplinary continuous quality improvement program. Evaluation of data has resulted in planned interventions to reduce sources of stress and dissatisfaction for parents.