Factors affecting the quality of developmental care in neonatal intensive care units

Abstract

Developmental care in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) promotes neurological and functional development in premature and critically ill infants. With 15 million preterm births annually, creating a supportive and therapeutic environment is critical. This care focuses on five core areas: routine daily care, family-centered care, healthy environmental modifications, pain management, and sleep enhancement. These practices aim to reduce environmental stressors, promote growth, and improve health outcomes. However, NICUs face challenges, including lack of resources, inadequate training, environmental stressors, and emotional burden on families. Addressing these challenges requires targeted strategies such as advanced staff training, environmental modifications to reduce noise and light, family engagement in caregiving, and the use of innovative technologies to improve monitoring and pain management. These strategies contribute to a sustainable, comprehensive model of care that supports infant development, promotes family engagement, and improves long-term outcomes for neonates in critical care.