NICU virtual rounds: Feasibility and acceptability of enhanced access for families and care providers

To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of virtual medical rounds in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) aimed to enhance access for families and care providers. Families of infants requiring neonatal intensive care in a tertiary level NICU and healthcare providers (HCPs) who attended daily virtual medical rounds via a secure password protected video conferencing system were offered to complete a survey to evaluate their satisfaction with communication and care delivered via a virtual modality. A total of 176 surveys were completed during the evaluation period, 40 family members and 136 HCPs. The median levels of satisfaction were 9.5 (range 3–10) for family members and 9 (range 1–10) for HCPs. Our findings support the use of virtual rounds in the NICU. Further study is warranted regarding family and care provider acceptance, impact and the use of virtual rounds outside the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.