Variations in family visiting policies in neonatal intensive care units in eleven EC countries. EC Study Group of Parental Involvement in Neonatal Care.

The paper addresses the lack of information concerning parental visiting in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) across European Community (EC) countries. It reports on a study involving 11 EC countries and 38 units carried out under the auspices of a Concerted Action project. Information gathered from the 38 units yields data on the parental and family visiting policies. The study reveals a wide variation in the policies from considerable parental access to the infant in the NICU to restricted visiting. Policies concerned with unit facilities and unit support staff reflect the orientation of the overall unit policy with regard to visiting.