INFANT-AND FAMILY-CENTERED DEVELOPMENTAL CARE PRINCIPLES, STANDARDS, COMPETENCIES, AND BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE PRACTICE

Purpose: An international, collaborative, interprofessional panel of professionals representing key disciplines involved in neonatal intensive care developed an evidence-based, consensus document on standards, competencies, and practice guidelines for infant-and family-centered developmental care. The purpose of this neonatology special interest presentation is to introduce the infant-and family-centered best practice standards and competencies developed over the past five years.

Description: A systematic review (over 2,000 articles) with assigned levels and strength of evidence was conducted in six areas of developmental practice:1) systems analysis; 2) body positioning and touch; 3) sleep and arousal; 4) skin-to-skin contact; 5) pain and stress management, and 6) feeding,. The infant- and family-centered concept model linked the following developmental care components: 1) baby competency in interaction and communication; 2) involvement of family; 3) neuroprotection of the developing brain; 4) environmental protection from sensory overload; 5) pacing and individualizing of care procedures; 6) interaction and attachment of infant and parent; 7) analysis of complex, adaptive NICU systems.

Summary of Use: These evidence-based guidelines integrate the family into the NICU team, guide NICU policies, and contribute to optimizing outcomes. >
Importance to Members: Neonatal Physical Therapists may use the standards and competencies as a framework for ongoing competency assessment and clinical education topics. Pediatric Physical Therapists in Early Intervention Programs may find the infant and family developmental care principles highly applicable to the home intervention setting. The NICU developmental care best practices and competencies (https://nicudesign.nd.edu/nicu-care-standards) will inform and guide Pediatric Physical Therapists interested in Neonatology Fellowship education and in future NICU practice.