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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
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
PubMed

Insights

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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