Use of an internet camera system in the neonatal intensive care unit: parental and nursing perspectives and its effects on stress

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate associations between webcam use in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with parental stress and nursing work-related stress and burnout. DESIGN: Prospective validated and de novo questionnaires administered to NICU parents and nurses during two observation periods: (1) no webcam access (off webcam) and (2) webcam access (on webcam). RESULTS: Seventy-nine “off webcam” parents, 80 “on webcam” parents, and 35 nurses were included. Parental stress levels were significantly lower “on webcam” and perceptions of the technology were overwhelmingly positive. There were no significant differences in nursing stress levels and burnout between periods. Only 14% of nurses believed that webcam use improves infant’s quality of care. Majority nurses felt that webcams increase parental and nursing stress. CONCLUSIONS: Webcam use in the NICU is associated with lower parental stress levels and has no effect on nursing stress levels or work-related burnout. These findings contradict nurses’ beliefs that webcams increase parent and nurse stress.