title: Introducing an osteopathic approach into neonatology ward: the NE-O model.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Several studies showed the effect of osteopathic manipulative treatment on neonatal care in reducing length of stay in hospital, gastrointestinal problems, clubfoot complications and improving cranial asymmetry of infants affected by plagiocephaly. Despite several results obtained, there is still a lack of standardized osteopathic evaluation and treatment procedures for newborns recovered in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The aim of this paper is to suggest a protocol on osteopathic approach (NE-O model) in treating hospitalized newborns.
  
  
  METHODS
  The NE-O model is composed by specific evaluation tests and treatments to tailor osteopathic method according to preterm and term infants' needs, NICU environment, medical and paramedical assistance. This model was developed to maximize the effectiveness and the clinical use of osteopathy into NICU.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The NE-O model was adopted in 2006 to evaluate the efficacy of OMT in neonatology. Results from research showed the effectiveness of this osteopathic model in reducing preterms' length of stay and hospital costs. Additionally the present model was demonstrated to be safe.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present paper defines the key steps for a rigorous and effective osteopathic approach into NICU setting, providing a scientific and methodological example of integrated medicine and complex intervention.
authors.affiliation: EBOM - European Institute for Evidence Based Osteopathic Medicine, Pescara, Italy.|AIOT - Accademia Italiana Osteopatia Tradizionale, Pescara, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cerritelli
authors.affiliation: EBOM - European Institute for Evidence Based Osteopathic Medicine, Pescara, Italy.|AIOT - Accademia Italiana Osteopatia Tradizionale, Pescara, Italy.
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Martelli
authors.affiliation: EBOM - European Institute for Evidence Based Osteopathic Medicine, Pescara, Italy.|AIOT - Accademia Italiana Osteopatia Tradizionale, Pescara, Italy.
authors.forename: Cinzia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Renzetti
authors.affiliation: EBOM - European Institute for Evidence Based Osteopathic Medicine, Pescara, Italy.|AIOT - Accademia Italiana Osteopatia Tradizionale, Pescara, Italy.
authors.forename: Gianfranco
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pizzolorusso
authors.affiliation: EBOM - European Institute for Evidence Based Osteopathic Medicine, Pescara, Italy.|AIOT - Accademia Italiana Osteopatia Tradizionale, Pescara, Italy.
authors.forename: Vincenzo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Cozzolino
authors.affiliation: EBOM - European Institute for Evidence Based Osteopathic Medicine, Pescara, Italy.|AIOT - Accademia Italiana Osteopatia Tradizionale, Pescara, Italy.
authors.forename: Gina
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Barlafante
keywords: Complementary and alternative medicine; Integrated medicine; Neonatology intensive care unit; Newborns; Osteopathic manipulative treatment