Scans, stress, and solutions: The influence of ultrasound examinations on the daily work of nursing staff in a level III neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract

Background

Ultrasound (US) is among the most commonly used imaging modalities in neonatology due to its non-invasiveness and bedside applicability. Its frequent use may place additional demands on nurses, who already face considerable challenges in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). However, there is no investigation into how US examinations affect nursing workflows and whether they are perceived as an additional burden.

Aim

This survey study aims to assess the impact of US examinations on NICU nurses’ daily work, identify challenges, and explore strategies for better integration into clinical practice.

Material and methods

In March 2025, nurses in a level III NICU completed a newly developed 38-item questionnaire assessing general attitudes toward US, its impact on workflow, and optimization options (4-point Likert scale), along with five free-text questions. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively; conventional qualitative content analysis was applied to open-ended responses.

Results

59 of 70 nurses participated (response rate: 84 %). While 98 % rated US as improving patient care, 42 % reported workflow interruptions, and 49 % noted reduced time for other nursing activities. Additionally, 61 % called for better interprofessional communication and coordination, while 81 % considered theoretical education beneficial for improving US integration and interpretation.

Conclusion

US is essential in neonatal diagnostics, but challenges nursing workflows. A 5-point plan was developed to improve integration, focusing on structured scheduling, enhanced interprofessional communication, streamlining US examinations, focused education, and greater parental involvement. These measures aim to enhance efficiency and minimize additional stress, ensuring that US supports rather than complicates nurses’ already demanding routines.