OBJECTIVE

Providing medical care to preterm infants can be rewarding yet also stressful for healthcare providers in the neonatal care unit (NICU). While the impact of provider-parent communication on parent-related stress and satisfaction is widely accepted, little is known about the provider perspective. Therefore, this study explores the relationships between neonatal care providers' and their and .

METHODS

Using the NICU Communication Framework, we conducted a cross-sectional survey among  = 300 Dutch pediatricians‑neonatologists, nurses, and ancillary staff.

RESULTS

Communication and providers' job satisfaction were correlated, particularly in terms of perceived quality of care, professional relationships, and personal rewards. When providers deemed communication and perceived themselves as communicators, job satisfaction increased. Experiencing sufficient for conversations with parents was inversely correlated with provider fatigue and burn-out. Yet, providers reported insufficient opportunity for communication.

CONCLUSION

These results warrant reflection on the importance of communication in neonatal care, for the wellbeing of parents and providers alike.

INNOVATION

Focusing on the provider perspective, this study provides novel insights into the relationships between communication and outcomes of care. Our findings uniquely emphasize the power of communication to foster staff satisfaction and reduce burn-out in the NICU.