The art of developmental care in the NICU: a concept analysis.
BACKGROUND
The survival rate of infants born prematurely and hospitalized in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) has increased due to improvement of the technology in obstetrics and neona tology that allows saving preterm infants at earlier gestational ages. Preterm infants are hospitalized in a care environment which is quite different from the maternal womb. Therefore the application of developmental care in NICUs is critical to promote the development of preterm infants while they are hospitalized.


OBJECTIVE
This concept analysis contributes to the body of knowledge in developmental care and clarifies its understanding as well as its involvement in neonatal practice and research.


METHODS
Using the method of concept analysis of Walker and Avant, this article identifies the definitions and uses of the concept of developmental care, exposes its main attributes and introduces a model case representing the acknowledged attributes. The antecedents of the concept and consequences of the application of developmental care are discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
This concept analysis provides guidelines for nurses and health professionals to establish a 'developmental care' environment which is conducive for preterm infants. Moreover, it suggests conceptual and operational foundations of developmental care for clinicians and researchers in the neonatal field.
Aita
Marilyn
M
School of Nursing, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. marilyn.aita@videotron.ca
Snider
Laurie
L
D002657:Child Development; D005192:Family Health; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000254:growth & development*; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal / Q000592:standards*; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D009732:Nursing Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011364:Professional Practice; D011792:Quebec