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19:15
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Newborn individualized developmental care and assessment program training and education.
Gretchen Lawhon1, Rodd E Hedlund
1Mid-Atlantic NIDCAP Center, NIDCAP Federation International, Inc., Department of Pediatrics, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey, Camden, New Jersey, USA. gretchen@cooperhealth.edu
The Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing
|May 23, 2008
Summary
The Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP) improves preterm infant care in the NICU. This evidence-based approach enhances neurobehavioral development and reduces complications for premature babies.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Development
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Evidence-Based Practice in Neonatal Care
Background:
- Preterm infants face significant challenges in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
- Individualized developmental care is crucial for optimizing outcomes in premature infants.
- The Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP) emerged from research on preterm infant behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the NIDCAP approach as a guide for NICU professionals.
- To highlight the benefits of NIDCAP in reducing prematurity complications and enhancing neurobehavioral competence.
- To outline the implementation and training requirements for the NIDCAP program.
Main Methods:
- NIDCAP is a theory- and evidence-based approach requiring multidisciplinary commitment and formal training.
- The process involves site and self-assessment, training sessions with NIDCAP trainers, and guided neurobehavioral observations.
- Clinical reports interpret infant behavior within the NICU context, medical status, and family concerns to develop individualized care plans.
Main Results:
- Implementation of NIDCAP has led to reduced iatrogenic complications in preterm infants.
- The NIDCAP approach enhances the neurobehavioral competence of neonates.
- NIDCAP fosters improved relationships among infants, families, and healthcare professionals.
Conclusions:
- NIDCAP is a comprehensive, system-wide intervention for neonatal intensive care.
- Individualized developmental care guided by NIDCAP positively impacts preterm infant outcomes.
- The program emphasizes a reflective, evidence-based approach to clinical practice in the NICU.
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