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Updated: Sep 13, 2026
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Neonatal unit (NU) Infant Medical Trauma and the lifelong implications for children and their families
Rupa Rubinstein1,2, Narendra Aladangady1,2
1Homerton Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
Introduction:
Infant Medical Trauma (IMT) is a result of prolonged toxic experiences usually experienced by patients in the neonatal unit (NU), and is associated with significant sequalae.
Method:
This article describes the pathophysiology of IMT and the short- and long-term impacts. The possible methods of minimising this is discussed.
Results:
Increased neonatal staff and parent awareness of IMT could encourage clustering of care, improved use of tools for recognition of pain and further highlight the benefits of family-integrated care and skin-to-skin care.
Conclusion:
While IMT may be considered a consequence of survival from the NU, it's effects can be minimised with a range of techniques to protect the patients (and parents) from psychological harm.
