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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
Preterm EEG: A Multimodal Neurophysiological Protocol
Published on: February 18, 2012
Enhancing Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Preterm Infants Through the Sensory Development Care Map
Lisa Sampson1, Maureen Luther1, Asaph Rolnitsky1,2
1Dan Women and Babies Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada.
Insights
A new Sensory Developmental Care Map (SDCM) helps neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) staff and families provide better neuroprotective care for preterm infants. This tool guides nurturing encounters to support infant brain development.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Developmental neuroscience
- Pediatric neurodevelopment
Background:
- Preterm infants face high risks of neurodevelopmental impairments due to immature brains and NICU stressors.
- Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) require strategies to enhance neuroprotection and promote optimal infant development.
- Staff knowledge gaps and parental needs for guidance highlight the necessity for improved educational tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and implement the Sensory Developmental Care Map (SDCM) as an educational resource.
- To guide neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) staff and families in providing developmentally appropriate sensory care.
- To integrate evidence-based practices for neuroprotective and neuropromotive care based on infant gestational age.
Main Methods:
- An informal survey identified knowledge gaps in sensory neurodevelopment among staff and a need for clearer guidance for parents.
- The Sensory Developmental Care Map (SDCM) was created by synthesizing evidence on sensory development across gestational ages.
- Practical strategies for sensory input were integrated into the SDCM, visually indicating protection and stimulation timelines for each sense.
Main Results:
- The SDCM was developed as a quality improvement initiative, with printed and digital versions distributed to staff and families.
- The tool provides clear, developmentally appropriate guidance for sensory care within the NICU environment.
- Preliminary feedback indicates improved family understanding of sensory developmental care, with ongoing evaluation.
Conclusions:
- The Sensory Developmental Care Map (SDCM) is a valuable educational tool for enhancing developmentally supportive care in the NICU.
- It promotes appropriate sensory input, crucial for the neurodevelopment of preterm infants.
- The SDCM supports both staff and families in optimizing the NICU environment for better infant outcomes.
Abstract:
Background/Objectives: Preterm infants are at a high risk of neurodevelopmental impairments due to immature brain development and the stressors of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) environment. To improve outcomes, incorporating a neuropromotion strategy by promoting nurturing encounters (NEs) is essential. Methods: In this 48-bed tertiary perinatal care center, an informal survey showed that staff lacked consistent knowledge about sensory neurodevelopment, while parents expressed a need for clearer guidance. This paper describes the development and implementation of the Sensory Developmental Care Map (SDCM) as part of a larger quality-improvement initiative. The SDCM is an educational tool designed to guide NICU staff and families in providing neuroprotective and neuropromotive care, based on the infant's gestational age (GA). The SDCM was created by integrating evidence on sensory development across GAs and providing practical strategies to promote positive sensory input while protecting the developing brain. The map visually indicates when to protect or stimulate each sense, offering clear, developmentally appropriate guidance. Printed and digital versions of the map were made accessible to families and staff, with bedside copies and a poster displayed in the unit. Results: A post-implementation evaluation is ongoing, but preliminary feedback suggests that the SDCM improved the family understanding of sensory developmental care. The SDCM serves as a valuable resource for promoting appropriate sensory input for preterm infants and further enhancing developmentally supportive care within the NICU.
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