Live stream webcams on the neonatal unit: ‘An additional responsibility’ for nursing workload?

Live stream webcams have been introduced to neonatal units to reduce the separation between parents and infants. However, this new technology has the potential to impact nursing workload. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of the new implementation of webcams on nursing workload. A survey was developed to explore webcam related nursing activity. Workload evaluations were completed by each nurse per shift, over a three-month period. A total of 85 nurses took part in the study, completing 765 workload surveys. Findings revealed 95% of camera related tasks took less than 15 min. Parent phone calls related to webcams and changes in workflow for infant handling were identified. The introduction of webcams did not negatively impact nursing workload. Education for nurses and parents, and a technological support nurse or team would help lessen some of the challenges nurses experienced.