Infection Control Measures for Room Visitation in the NICU ~Infection Control Measures during Visits to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19~

Abstract

In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 epidemic, our hospital has banned all visits since the spring of 2020. However, in the neonatal unit, due to the necessity of visits for attachment formation, promotion of parent-child interaction, and acquisition of childcare skills, we have decided to implement visits with adequate infection control measures as part of treatment and nursing care. In implementing the visitation, we discussed with the Infection Control Department and shared the objectives with the physician's family regarding the infection status of COVID-19.

Restrictions on visitation were eased in stages, depending on the family situation, visitation status, and the spread of infection. As a result, no close contacts or infected patients were reported in the neonatal unit, even with the implementation and relaxation of visitation. The family members were also able to practice infection control behaviors.