Assessing staff-oriented care with developmental support approach in Iranian NICUs

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Intensive Care
• Healthcare Management
• Pediatric Survival Rates

Background:

• Improving Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) status is essential for comprehensive care and enhanced preterm infant survival.
• This study assessed staffing-oriented neonatal care in Iranian NICUs affiliated with Universities of Medical Sciences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the current state of staffing-oriented neonatal care in Iranian NICUs.
• To identify areas for improvement in the quality of care provided to preterm infants.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 23 NICUs across nine type-1 Universities of Medical Sciences in Iran.
• Data collected via a 39-item checklist across four domains: Composition, Philosophy, Training, and Support; Management; Resources; and Transition Systems.
• Analysis performed using Stata software, version 13, with data gathered through direct observation.

Main Results:

• The overall mean score for staffing-oriented care was 43.5 out of 100.
• No studied domain achieved a mean score above 50.
• The 'Management' domain scored highest (50/100), while 'Resources' scored lowest (35/100).

Conclusions:

• Low mean scores in staffing-oriented care highlight a critical need for increased attention to this aspect of neonatal care.
• Strengthening staff-oriented care, alongside other developmental care dimensions, is necessary through targeted interventions.
• Improving staffing-oriented care is vital for enhancing the health outcomes of preterm infants.