Assessing Developmentally Supportive Care in Neonatal Nursing in China

Developmentally supportive care (DSC) is a pivotal care model for preterm infants, with significant implications for their long-term health and well-being.

This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of DSC practices among neonatal nursing staff in a hospital in China, thereby informing strategies to enhance clinical nursing interventions and training.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among neonatal nurses at our institution from August 1 to August 16, 2023. Participants provided demographic data, and their DSC practices were evaluated using a validated self-rating scale. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with DSC behaviors.

During the survey period, data were collected from 128 neonatal nurses. Analysis of the data revealed DSC scale behavior scores ranging from 44 to 92, with a mean (SD) of 72.95 (15.34). The mean (SD) score for individual items was 1.56 (0.52). The most highly implemented dimension of DSC involved interventions to reduce detrimental environmental stimuli in the neonatal intensive care unit. The lowest scores were associated with observing the suggestive behavior of premature infants and implementing family-centered care. Correlational analysis demonstrated significant associations between DSC scores and several variables, including marital status (r = 0.560), childbirth experience (r = 0.422), years working on the neonatal unit (r = 0.406), and prior DSC training (r = 0.584) (all P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis confirmed these factors as significant predictors of DSC behavior scores (all P < 0.05).

The current level of DSC behavior among neonatal nurses appears to be suboptimal and is influenced by personal marital status, childbirth experience, tenure on the neonatal unit, and exposure to DSC training. It is imperative for hospital administrators to prioritize and foster the implementation of DSC measures by neonatal nurses in the clinical setting by developing targeted education programs and providing ongoing support.