Nurses' Perspective about Developmentally Supportive Care for Preterm Neonates

Background: Despite the fact of evidences are suggesting the training of neonatal
intensive care nurses in developmentally supportive care (DSC) to improve the outcomes of
preterm neonates, no previous researches explored the nurses perspective to improve the
development of preterm during hospitalization. Objective: The study aims to identify nurses'
perspective about developmentally supportive care for premature neonates. Subjects: All
available nurses (45 nurses) who are responsible for caring of preterm neonates were
involved in the study. Tools: Developmental supportive care interview structured schedule
was used to collect data. Results: Unfortunately, most of NICU nurses (73.3%) did not
receive or attend any educational courses or workshops about the developmentally supportive
care for preterm neonates. It was found that the majority of nurses (91.7%) who received
training mentioned most of developmental supportive care for preterm neonates such as the
application of nesting, avoidance of unnecessary activities and handling of preterm neonates,
control of infection and promotion of breastfeeding. In addition, involvement of mother in
baby care will promote the preterm development. In contrast, the largest percent of untrained
nurses (42.4%) suggested only breastfeeding and involvement of mother in neonatal care.
Recommendations: Establishment of Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and
Assessment Program (NIDCAP) for the team in NICU are essential. Such program has to
work in collaboration with other health professionals who are responsible to care for preterm
neonates on day to day basis.