Racial Differences in Parental Satisfaction with Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nursing Care

OBJECTIVE: Nurses provide parental support and education in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), but it is unknown if satisfaction and expectations about nursing care differ between racial groups. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective cohort was constructed of families with a premature infant presenting to primary care between 1/1/10-1/1/13 (N = 249, 52% white, 42% Black). Responses to questions about satisfaction with the NICU were analyzed in ATLAS.ti using standard qualitative methodology. RESULTS: 120 (48%) parents commented on nursing. 57% of the comments were positive, with black parents more negative (58%) than white parents (33%). Black parents were most dissatisfied with how nurses supported them, wanting compassionate and respectful communication. White parents were most dissatisfied with inconsistent nursing care and lack of education about their child. CONCLUSIONS: Racial differences were found in satisfaction and expectations with neonatal nursing care. Accounting for these differences will improve parental engagement during the NICU stay.