Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Infant stimulation reassessed. A new approach to providing care for the preterm infant
Insights
Developmental intervention improves preterm infant care by using the Assessment of Preterm Infant Behavior (APIB) to create individualized nursing plans. This approach guides care in special care nurseries, involving parents and nurses.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Developmental psychology
- Pediatric nursing
Background:
- Preterm infant care requires specialized approaches to optimize development.
- Individualized interventions are crucial for addressing the unique needs of preterm infants.
- The Assessment of Preterm Infant Behavior (APIB) provides a framework for evaluating infant behavior.
Observation:
- The APIB tool assesses current behavioral functioning in preterm infants.
- This assessment informs the development of tailored nursing care programs.
- Examples illustrate the practical application of APIB-guided interventions.
Findings:
- Individualized nursing care programs can be effectively developed using APIB assessments.
- These programs enhance the developmental support provided to preterm infants.
- The study presents three case examples of successful individualized programs.
Implications:
- Implementing APIB-driven developmental interventions can improve outcomes for preterm infants.
- Guidelines for environmental adjustments, parent engagement, and nurse training are provided.
- This approach supports a more holistic and responsive model of neonatal care.
Abstract:
Developmental intervention is a new method of improving the care of preterm infants. Use of the Assessment of Preterm Infant Behavior (APIB) to determine the current behavioral functioning of an infant and how that information can be used to develop and implement an individualized program of nursing care are described. Three examples of individualized programs developed as a result of assessment are presented. General environmental guidelines for special care nursery procedures, parent involvement, and nurse training are given.
