Implementation and evaluation of an individualized developmental care program in a neonatal intensive care unit.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to detect differences in outcomes for very preterm infants after the introduction of developmental care in a neonatal nursery, and to evaluate the effect of developmental care on parental well-being.


METHODS
Prospective before and after cohort study of very preterm babies, with education for all staff between cohorts.


RESULTS
No significant differences were found between cohorts for short-term outcomes for babies or parental anxiety levels or depression. All infants scored within normal temperament ranges at 4 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Developmental care is a safe practice model. The interdisciplinary study facilitated professional development and increased the knowledge of nurses.
Bredemeyer
Sandie
S
Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia. sandie@email.cs.nsw.gov.au
Reid
Shelley
S
Polverino
Jan
J
Wocadlo
Crista
C
D001007:Anxiety / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology*; D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D003863:Depression / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D055318:Evidence-Based Nursing; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000523:psychology; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology; D016294:Models, Nursing; D017283:Neonatal Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D010347:Patient Care Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013694:Temperament