Clinical Simulation Enables Process Change and Cognitive Adaptation: Essential Aspects for New NICU Adaptation

Abstract

Staff preparation is the key driver for safety in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) transitions. The move to a single family room (SFR) NICU challenges staff to adapt to new care delivery processes. Simulation enables hands-on practice in the new environment and identifies specific areas that need adjustment prior to going live in the SFR model. Dissemination of a shared mental model prepares staff for practice changes in emergent and non-emergent situations. Attention to both the process and psychosocial components of organizational transition facilitate change. This article reviews techniques that facilitated management of one institution's transition, including engaging frontline staff, effective bidirectional communication, pre-move immersive clinical simulation, and development of an orientation workshop.