Part 1: Narrative overview of developmental care interventions for the preterm newborn

Abstract

Abstract The development of synaptic connections in the foetus brain peaks during the third trimester of gestation. In case of preterm birth, the infant is vulnerable in the neonatal intensive care unit because of its immature and rapidly developing neurologic system. Therefore, developmental care interventions (DCI) are particularly important during the NICU hospitalization to optimize short and long-term outcomes, as well as neurodevelopment, in infants born prematurely. The aim of this article is to provide a narrative overview by summarizing findings of a thorough literature review on the latest findings regarding the effectiveness of six DCI on preterm infant s outcomes such as sleep, stress and neurodevelopment. Various DCI have been evaluated in empirical studies. Research related to these interventions is rapidly evolving but is still a priority in the neonatal research field.