A developmental care framework for a cardiac intensive care unit: a paradigm shift

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Nursing
• Pediatric Cardiology
• Developmental Care

Background:

• Medical and surgical advancements have improved survival rates for neonates and infants with congenital heart disease.
• There is a lack of research on specialized newborn care for these at-risk infants.
• Infants undergoing neonatal cardiac surgery require tailored developmental care strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the implementation process of a developmental care model in a cardiac intensive care unit (CICU).
• To adapt evidence-based developmental care practices for infants with congenital heart disease.

Main Methods:

• Introduction of a developmental care model with 5 core measures: sleep, pain, and stress assessment; management of daily living; positioning, feeding, and skin care; family-centered care; and a healing environment.
• Adaptation of care practices for late preterm and full-term infants post-neonatal cardiac surgery.
• Review of the implementation process within a pediatric hospital setting.

Main Results:

• The study details the process of integrating a developmental care model into a CICU.
• The model's core measures were adapted to address the unique needs of infants with congenital heart disease.
• Implementation focused on enhancing evidence-based developmental care practices.

Conclusions:

• Implementing a structured developmental care model can enhance newborn care for infants with congenital heart disease.
• Tailored developmental care is crucial for optimizing outcomes in this vulnerable population.
• Further research is needed to evaluate the impact of such models on infant recovery and family well-being.