Webcam use in NICU/SCBU

rockabye · Mar 18, 2011

Really webcam use? Is that what I think it is and parents can access a webpage to see 24/7 video of their baby? If that's the case, I don't see that happening. I can't imagine all the problems that would cause. I don't think parents want to tune in and see their baby being poked for an iv or lab. I can already see parents calling asking why their baby is crying or continually asking what exactly we were just doing to their baby. Maybe if the babies are the "feeder grower" types the parents could benefit, but definitely not for the more critical patients.

UKMOM · Mar 18, 2011

It is already happening in hospitals. We are currently talking with a company that provides this service to NICUs. Their name is nicview (www.nicview.net) They setup the system so that it doesn't interfere with work and even have a privacy button on their camera if you want to shut down access to the camera (being poked for an iv or lab, etc.).

umcRN, BSN, RN · Mar 19, 2011

I forget where...but I have heard of this being trialled in some PICU's as well, not sure I'd be too thrilled with it...

swazi-maci · Mar 19, 2011

Hi there,

Thanks for the responses. I will check out that website. I have done a fair amount of research on this topic. My first reaction was also one of resistance however if this is set up well and monitored then it can be a valuable resource for the parents and other family members and friends. Check out www.lookatmybaby.net Maybe you will also have a change of heart.

Take care

Love_2_Learn · Mar 19, 2011

I worked in a NICU that had web cams but they were only used briefly for parents to see their babies when the parents were far away. We had lots of patients who came from far away on transport and had to stay for a long time. We would set up a time and date that we would plan to do the web cam visit and then call the family on the phone to be sure they were ready and then let them see the baby for about 5 minutes or so. Our social worker was involved in setting up the visit times with the family. It was sweet and helpful for bonding. I don't know about the idea of continuous web cam use though... just seems unusual but with the way technology is changing things, who knows what lies ahead. I wonder what the Risk Management Department's take on this would be.....

NicuGal, MSN, RN · Mar 19, 2011

A hospital near us used this then they stopped it because they were getting more complaints than ever. Parents saying that their baby was crying too long, they didn't like when the nurses turned off the podcast because they were sure something bad was happening. These parents would be GLUED to the camera and calling and calling when something they didn't like was going on, it got to where all the nurses seemed to be doing was fielding the calls and were having a hard time getting stuff done. When they would turn off the pod they would get a call, what are doing? And some of them used it as an excuse not to visit as much since they could see what was going on. They had them in private rooms, not pods.

I can kind of see both sides, but from a nurse point of view...bad idea. I like it for certain times if the parents live a considerable ways away though, just so they can see their baby :)

magpie53 · Mar 21, 2011

My concern is the privacy issue.I have the same concern with families using Skype in the NICU.whose picture is being uplaoded to the internet? And who has access to those pictures? What protects the nursing staff from stalkers or just plain mischief. We had a unit with windows and strangers followed the nurses to the parking lot saying" we know where you work".Needless to say the windows are gone.Cyberspace is not private or protected..We need to tread carefully.

NicuGal, MSN, RN · Mar 22, 2011

Wow, Skype? We don't allow them to use their computers in the room or videotape...that is from legal.