# A survey of parental experiences and perceptions of NAVA in neonatal intensive care

## TL;DR

This study surveyed parents about their experiences with a breathing support method called NAVA in neonatal care, finding most felt it was comfortable and would recommend it.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into parental perceptions of NAVA in neonatal intensive care, focusing on comfort and willingness to recommend.

## Key findings

- 81% of parents felt staff explained breathing support modes clearly.
- 53% of parents felt their baby was calmer during NAVA compared to other modes.
- 78% of parents stated they were very likely to recommend NAVA.

## Abstract

To evaluate parental perceptions and experiences of neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) in neonatal intensive care, focusing on understanding, comfort, and willingness to recommend its use. A survey of parents whose infants received NAVA or Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) NAVA at a tertiary NICU between January 2024 and July 2025. St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK. Fifty parents were invited; 32 returned completed surveys (response rate: 64%). Parent-reported understanding of ventilation modes, perceptions of infant comfort and willingness to recommend NAVA. Most respondents (81%, n = 26) felt staff explained different modes of breathing support clearly; 4 (13%) found explanations unclear, and 2 (6%) received none. Seventeen (53%) parents felt their baby was calmer and more settled during NAVA/NIV NAVA compared with other modes; 11 (34%) noticed no difference, and 4 (13%) perceived less comfort. The NAVA catheter scored a mean of 3.77/5 for comfort. Twenty-three (78%) stated they were “very likely” to recommend NAVA, 5 (16%) were “likely,” 1 (6%) was “neutral,” and 2 (12%) would not recommend it.

Conclusion: Most parents reported positive perceptions of NAVA, with improved comfort compared with conventional modes.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00431-025-06718-0.