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Family-centered developmental care practices and research: what will the next century bring?
Jacqueline M McGrath1, Haifa A Samra, Carole Kenner
1School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA. jmmcgrath@vcu.edu
Insights
Family-centered developmental care is crucial for neonatal intensive care, especially for vulnerable infants. Further research is needed to refine interventions and ensure optimal outcomes for infants and their families.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Intensive Care
- Developmental Psychology
- Family Systems Theory
Background:
- Family-centered developmental care is a cornerstone of neonatal intensive care.
- This approach is particularly vital for vulnerable infants facing complex health challenges.
- The unique needs of infants in neonatal settings often strain family units.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a historical overview of neonatal caregiving practices.
- To define family-centered developmental caregiving.
- To offer future-oriented predictions for family-centered developmental care in the next century.
Main Methods:
- Historical review of neonatal care.
- Definition of key concepts in family-centered developmental care.
- Exploration of future research questions and strategies.
Main Results:
- The article traces the evolution of neonatal caregiving.
- It establishes clear definitions for family-centered developmental care.
- It outlines potential future directions and research needs.
Conclusions:
- Family-centered developmental care is essential for all infants and families in neonatal intensive care.
- Continued research is imperative to identify effective interventions and areas for improvement.
- Many questions remain unanswered regarding the optimal implementation of this care philosophy.
Abstract:
Family-centered developmental care is an essential element of neonatal intensive care. It is of particular importance when the infant is vulnerable and at greater risk for poor outcomes complicated by a family unit that is easily challenged by the unique needs of the infant. Yet, all infants and their families deserve this philosophy of caregiving. Family-centered developmental care must continue to be tested through research to determine which interventions work, what does not work, and which interventions need further refinement. This article provides a brief history of where we have been in neonatal caregiving, provides definitions for family-centered developmental caregiving and offers some "predictions" about where these practices need to be in the next century. Research questions and strategies are also addressed. As we continue to forge ahead integrating this philosophy into the caregiving arena, it is important to remember that there are many unanswered questions.
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