Cambra-Rufino, L.; Solís-García, G.; Carrasco Pérez, A.; López Maestro, M.; De la Cruz Bértolo, J.; Moral Pumarega, M. T.; Pallás Alonso, C. R. and Piris Borregas, S. (2026) The physical environment of neonatal intensive care units: A descriptive survey in Spain. Architectural Engineering and Design Management, 22(2), pp. 325-339. ISSN 1745-2007
Abstract
The physical environment impacts preterm infants' brain development and is vital for neuroprotective family-centred care. In Spain, neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are being renovated, but an overall assessment is lacking. This study describes the physical environment of high-complexity NICUs (level IIIC) in the Spanish National Healthcare System through a descriptive, cross-sectional, multi-centre study using an online survey. Data were collected in 2023 with a 100% response rate (n = 11). Results show that only 8 units (73%) were partially renovated. Most NICUs (73%) were in mother and children hospitals, and only 2 units (18%) shared a floor with the maternity ward. All NICUs had open-bay rooms, and 3 (27%) had single-family rooms for intensive care. Compared to Nordic countries and the USA, Spanish NICUs' design seems outdated. An optimal room mix should consider the latest evidence as well as the local context, including culture, healthcare system, and staffing models.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | evidence-based facility design; family-centered developmental care; hospital design and construction; neonatal intensive care unit; survey study |
| Index terms: | Spain, design and construction, children, complexity, survey, evidence |
| Subjects: | systems engineering, demography, data collection methods, Geography, contractual arrangements, evaluation and assessment methods |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Geographical Context, Procurement, Engineering Principles, Urban Studies |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here