ABSTRACT
Caring for extremely preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a multidisciplinary team effort. A clear understanding of roles for each member of the delivery team, anticipation of challenges, and standardized checklists support improved outcomes for this population. Physicians and nursing leaders are responsible for being role models and holding staff accountable for creating a unit culture of Neuroprotective Infant and Family-Centered Developmental Care. It is essential for parents to be included as part of the care team and babies to be acknowledged for their efforts in coping with the developmentally unexpected NICU environment.
Subject(s)
Intensive Care Units, Neonatal , Humans , Intensive Care Units, Neonatal/organization & administration , Infant, Newborn , Infant, Extremely Premature , Patient Care Team , Parents/psychology , Parents/education , Neuroprotection , Child Development/physiology , Intensive Care, Neonatal/organization & administrationSubject(s)
Neonatal Nursing , Infant, Newborn , Humans , Intensive Care Units, Neonatal , Evidence-Based MedicineABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The evidence-based science of maternal and neonatal care has been rapidly changing. As a result, clinical practice and the design of physical space have evolved in order to provide neuroprotection for the baby and meet expectations of family presence and participation. SETTING: The concept and practice of NICU Couplet Care supports positive health well-being/outcomes and early relationship building between the mother-baby-father/partner. RESULTS: Monitoring evidence-based measures and metrics of standardized care, performance competence, neuro-physical and psychosocial outcomes, environmental design, family and staff satisfaction, and sustainability are essential to the evolution of quality, safe, efficient, effective, ethical, and cost-effective care for the mother, baby, and family. Transparency in the dissemination of evidence, practice standards, and outcome data is important to guide parents/families and health professionals in making informed shared decisions regarding the clinical care provided and the environment where care takes place.
Subject(s)
Intensive Care Units, Neonatal , Parents , Infant, Newborn , Female , Humans , Parents/psychology , Mothers/psychologyABSTRACT
Birth at extremely low gestational ages presents a significant threat to infants' survival, health, development, and future well-being. After birth, a critical period of brain development must continue outside the womb. Neuro-supportive and neuroprotective family centered developmental care for and standardized care practices for extremely preterm infants have been shown to improve outcomes. Neuroprotective interventions must include a focus on the emotional connections of infants and their families. Being in skin-to-skin contact with the mother is the developmentally expected environment for all mammals and is especially important for supporting physiologic stability and neurodevelopment of preterm infants.
Subject(s)
Child Development , Infant, Extremely Premature , Neuroprotection , Parents/psychology , Family Nursing/methods , Female , Gestational Age , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Intensive Care Units, Neonatal , Parturition , PregnancyABSTRACT
Non-accidental head trauma in infants is the leading cause of infant death from injury. Clinical features that suggest head trauma (also known as shaken baby syndrome or shaken impact syndrome) include the triad consisting of retinal hemorrhage, subdural, and/or subarachnoid hemorrhage in an infant with little signs of external trauma. Abusive head injuries are among the most common causes of serious and lethal injuries in children. These injuries may result from impact or shaking or a combination of these mechanisms. These mechanisms cause the child's head to undergo acceleration/ deceleration movements, which may create inertial movement of the brain within the cranial compartment.
Subject(s)
Neonatal Nursing/organization & administration , Shaken Baby Syndrome/diagnosis , Shaken Baby Syndrome/therapy , Acceleration , Accidents/statistics & numerical data , Biomechanical Phenomena , Cause of Death , Child , Child Abuse/diagnosis , Child Abuse/mortality , Child Abuse/prevention & control , Child Abuse/statistics & numerical data , Crying , Humans , Infant , Infant Behavior , Infant Care/methods , Infant Mortality , Information Services , Internet , Mass Screening , Medical History Taking , Nurse's Role , Nursing Assessment , Parents/education , Parents/psychology , Physical Examination , Risk Factors , Shaken Baby Syndrome/embryology , Shaken Baby Syndrome/etiology , United States/epidemiologyABSTRACT
The mother/baby unit of Ohio's Good Samaritan Hospital instituted a wireless communication system. Here, review its benefits.
