[Developmental centered care. Situation in Spanish neonatal units]

Area of Science:

• Neonatal care
• Developmental pediatrics
• Evidence-based practice

Background:

• Developmental centered care (DC) supports newborn sensorineural and emotional development.
• Implementation of DC in Spain since 1999, but extent of practice remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• Assess DC implementation in Spanish neonatal units for infants <1500g in 2012.
• Compare current practices with 2006 data.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive observational cross-sectional study.
• Utilized a seven-question survey, consistent with the 2006 questionnaire.

Main Results:

• 81% response rate in 2012 (vs. 96% in 2006).
• Significant increases in noise control (73% vs. 11%), unrestricted parental visits (82% vs. 11%), and kangaroo care (82% vs. 31%) from 2006 to 2012.
• Saccharose use remained similar (50% vs. 46%).

Conclusions:

• Spanish neonatal units show improved DC implementation.
• Areas for advancement include saccharose use and noise control.
• Unrestricted parental visits represent a significant positive change.