Surface Finish Materials: Considerations for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

NICU surface material finishes require consideration to support the design of a healing environment benefitting the patients, families, and caregivers. The evidence from a growing body of research that focuses on the healthcare facility design influence on occupant outcomes suggests that material finishes for the NICU contribute to the clinical, operational and social dimensions of health outcomes. The main surface finishes in the NICU are the flooring, ceiling, walls, work surfaces, and upholstery. Appropriate specifications assure that materials are durable, cleanable, easy to disinfect, attractive, comfortable, minimize unwanted noise, and addresses safety concerns. Most of the literature that met inclusion focused on sound and hospital associated infection. Other articles indicated outcomes related to environmental and human health, fatigue and discomfort, stress, anxiety, and medical errors.