The NNU Door Sign Project

Bringing Joy to Neonatal Unit - One Door Sign at a Time

Background

Art has the potential to improve the hospital environment, relieve anxiety and bring joy to both staff and patients. This topic was studied previously in mental health and paediatrics settings, however, the study of the impact of artwork on staff and parents in neonatal units is limited.

Aim

The aim was to develop new door signs for Simpson’s Neonatal Unit to improve navigation and make a positive impact on the NNU environment and staff’s and parents’ well-being during the COVID pandemic.

Methods

30 door signs were painted by a Paediatric Trainee from 08.2020-07.2022. Artwork themes were intentional and included Edinburgh landscapes, animals, bonding between a parent and a newborn, and supporting each other at challenging times. A common theme was a starry sky, aiming to create a sense of escapism and unifying artwork into one distinctive collection. Feedback was collected using an online questionnaire. 67 responses from staff and 10 from parents were received.

Results

98.5% of staff agreed that artwork created a welcoming and non-institutional atmosphere at NNU. Parents replied that 90% strongly agree and 10% agree. 88% of staff agreed that artwork can distract from stress and anxiety, whereas 11.9% felt neutral about this statement. 90% of parents agreed, and 10% felt neutral. 95.5% of staff agreed that artwork can help navigate the NNU, and 4.5 % remained neutral. 95.5% of staff agreed that artwork fosters a sense of ownership and pride in the NNU.100% of parents agreed with the two latter statements.

Conclusion

Artwork portraying themes of nature, animals and human connection improved the environment, relieved anxiety and stress and created a welcoming and non-institutional atmosphere in NNU. Using door signs incorporated sensitive artwork into neonatal settings at a low cost.