[The neonatal behavioral observation: a pertinent source of medical informations]. / L'observation du comportement du nouveau-né: une source pertinente d'informations médicales.

The neonatal behavioral observation is an important source of medical information in three domains: 1) assessment of development which can be done with the Assessment of Preterm Infant Behavior, 2) assessment of pain with the analysis of facial expression using validated pain scales such as the Neonatal Facial Coding System, 3) assessment of brain injuries with the Quality Assessment of General Movements. Such a behavioral observation of the newborn using validated tools is a useful complement of the neuro-imaging techniques.

[Implementation of an individualized program of sustained development in neonatal intensive care: why, how?]. / Implanter un programme individualisé de soutien du développement en réanimation néonatale: pourquoi, comment?

The Neonatal Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP) is based upon a behavioral observation of the premature newborn. The information is used for suggesting individualized caregiving and environmental changes. The role of the parents in supporting the development is reinforced. This program appears to reduce ventilation, artificial feeding and hospitalization stay length, and is also found to improve neurobehavioral maturation. Its setting in a neonatal intensive care unit implies a collective reflective process and staff education.