NICU infants born at developmental risk and the Individualized Family Service Plan/Process (IFSP)

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Developmental Pediatrics
• Healthcare Policy

Background:

• Newborn intensive care is evolving, serving diverse infant and family populations.
• A family-centered and developmental approach is crucial for basic nursery care.
• Some infants and families require specialized developmental support beyond baseline care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a method for identifying infants and families who may benefit from the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) process.
• To present the IFSP process and plan within the context of neonatal intensive care.
• To propose a framework for integrating a continuum of care into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Main Methods:

• The study describes a method for identifying eligible infants and families.
• It presents the components of the IFSP process and plan.
• A framework for integrating this care continuum into the NICU is proposed.

Main Results:

• A method for identifying infants and families for the IFSP process has been outlined.
• The IFSP process and plan are presented.
• A framework for NICU care integration is proposed.

Conclusions:

• Implementing the IFSP process in hospitals should be gradual and cautious.
• Early risk factors do not always correlate with long-term outcomes.
• A family-centered/developmental perspective is essential in newborn intensive care.