title: Staff perceptions on Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP) during its implementation in two Spanish neonatal units.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The implementation of the Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP) requires great effort. Few studies evaluating staff perception of NIDCAP exist, especially in Southern Europe, and these few studies usually have a low representation of the medical staff.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Exploration of staff perception (neonatologists, nurses and nursing assistants) of NIDCAP during its implementation and their attitude towards it and intention to put it into practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study is a descriptive survey measuring staff perceptions of NIDCAP and its effects on their work in two Spanish neonatal level III intensive care units (NICUs). Validated questionnaires were distributed to neonatologists, nurses and nursing assistants of which 305 were completed (response rate: 85%).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Virtually all the items which assess the infant's well being and the parents' role received a positive evaluation. However, three items got slightly negative evaluations: NIDCAP was more time consuming and nurses' working conditions and lighting in the unit were less optimal than in earlier practices. The professionals also had a positive attitude and a willingness to use the NIDCAP. Neonatologists perceived NIDCAP more positively than the nursing staff with statistically significant differences.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The neonatal unit staff in two Spanish NICUs perceived NIDCAP positively. This assessment is more positive for neonatologists than for nurses.
authors.affiliation: Neonatal Unit, 12 de Octubre Hospital, SAMID Network, Madrid, Spain. romospe@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Rocío
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mosqueda
authors.forename: Yolanda
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Castilla
authors.forename: Josep
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Perapoch
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: de la Cruz
authors.forename: María
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: López-Maestro
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pallás
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D013030:Spain; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires