Neonatal family-centered care: evidence and practice models

Area of Science:

• Neonatology
• Pediatric Intensive Care
• Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

• Advances in neonatology reduce high-risk infant mortality but increase intensive monitoring and parental separation.
• Parent-infant closeness is crucial for preterm infants prone to neurodevelopmental deficits.
• Family-centered care (FCC) is increasingly recognized for its benefits in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the benefits and key components of family-centered care in neonatal intensive care units.
• To emphasize the importance of parental involvement and supportive environments for high-risk infants.
• To outline the necessary changes for successful FCC implementation in NICUs.

Main Methods:

• Review of evidence on family-centered care in neonatal settings.
• Identification of key elements of FCC: parental presence, participation in care, and decision-making.
• Emphasis on environmental factors like single-family rooms.

Main Results:

• FCC enhances parent-infant closeness, particularly beneficial for preterm infants.
• Parental presence and active participation in care are central to FCC.
• Single-family rooms provide a supportive environment for families.

Conclusions:

• Successful FCC implementation in NICUs necessitates a shift in hospital culture and policies.
• Adequate training for medical staff is essential for effective FCC.
• FCC is vital for improving neurodevelopmental outcomes and overall well-being of infants in the NICU.