Research on Early Developmental Care in Preterm Neonates

Increase in survival for very low birth weight infants has been observed, due to various improvements in perinatal care. However neurodevelopmental outcome remains a major issue. The effect of early environmental factors (during the hospital stay) and routine NICU practices on neurobehavioral development is discussed. Developmental care is an association of environmental and behavioral strategies designed to decrease the stress of preterm neonates. These interventions can be used alone or in association into more complex programs as the Neonatal Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP). Despite growing scientific literature, the medical impact of developmental care is still controversial. Major differences in medical and nursing practices are observed. This book reviews the theoretical framework underlying developmental care and the research-based data in different fields: neuroscience, developmental psychology, medicine and nursing. Reflections on the impact on staff are included. Recommendations for new research programs on this important aspect of neonatal care are proposed.