An organizational guide for an effective developmental program in the NICU

Many newborn intensive care units have put a great deal of energy and resources into their efforts to provide developmentally supportive care. Yet, without consistent leadership and clear accountabilities, developmental care will depend on the individual philosophy, or even the mood, of the health care professional at the bedside. Under these circumstances, infants and families experience an unpredictable and inconsistent quality of care. This article presents a guide to assist nurseries in structuring successful programs of developmentally supportive, family-centered care through well-described accountabilities that translate into consistent, high-quality care for infants and families in the NICU.