Optimization of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Environment

: Lehtonen, Liisa; White, Robert

: Martin, R. J.; Fanaroff, A. A.; Walsh, M. C.

: 11th ed.

Publisher: Elsevier

: 2024

: Fanaroff and Martin's Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, 2-Volume Set: Diseases of the Fetus and Infant

: 604

: 619

: 978-0-323-93274-5

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-93266-0.00036-2

The neurobehavioral development of a preterm infant is modified by environmental influences in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for several weeks or months. This chapter summarizes research on (1) the development of the behavioral/sleep states and the significance of protecting sleep in preterm infants; (2) the development of the sensory functions and circadian rhythm and their implications for the neonatal care environment; (3) the developing muscle tone and feeding skills, and the prevention of infections from the perspective of NICU environment; (4) the parent-infant interaction in the NICU environment; (5) the assessment methods of the neurobehavioral maturation of preterm infants; and (6) NICU design including research on the single-family room design. This chapter aims to describe how the NICU environment can support the neurobehavioral maturation of a preterm infant and the development of the parent-premature infant relationship. The goal should be to provide the infant with nurturing stimuli and an opportunity to form a healthy attachment relationship with his/her parents. Single-family rooms and couplet care bring family members together and provide privacy, individuality, a sense of closeness, peacefulness, and protection, which have been shown to benefit all family members.