Equitable therapeutic design: how inclusively designed spaces help NICU families heal, connect, and thrive.

Authors

Molly Fraust-Wylie, Vincent C Smith, Jonathan S Litt, Paige T Church, Nicole Lomerson, Lindsay Rosenfeld, Yarden S Fraiman

Published in

Journal of perinatology : official journal of the California Perinatal Association. Jul 08, 2026. Epub Jul 08, 2026.

Abstract

Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) are often designed to primarily optimize the health of critically ill newborns. However, prolonged hospitalizations and stressors, in particular for diverse families can lead to alienation. In this Perspective, we explore how NICUs can be designed to center the diversity of families care for in the NICU including, but not limited to, racial and ethnic diversity, LGBTQ+ headed families, non-traditional families, families with disabled caregivers, families who prefer a language other than English, and those with low health literacy. Through thoughtful and inclusive designed spaces, we highlight how a NICU can become a place of healing for families and infants and foster a sense of inclusion and belonging.

PMID:
42420550
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 09 Jul 2026.

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