Authors

Paloma Fuente González

Position

Enfermera. Centro de Salud El Llano. Área V-Gijón. Asturias

Contact address

Paloma Fuente González. C/ San José, 14, 5º D. 33209 Gijón (Asturias).

Contact email: palofuente@gmail.com

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the benefits of implementing Developmental Care (DC) in the Newborn Units for pre-term baby care, based on the scientific evidence available.
Methodology: a narrative review of literature. The databases used were: Pubmed, LILACS, Cochrane Plus Library, DIALNET and the Biblioteca Virtual en Salud (Virtual Healthcare Library). Web-pages on neonatology or health were also consulted, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) webpage, the Spanish Society of Paediatrics (AEP) website, or the international webpage of the European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants (EFCNI), among others. The search was limited to articles in English and Spanish, and the time limitation was that articles should have been published within the past 10 years.
Results: twenty-one (21) documents were selected, regarding the developmental characteristics differentiating pre-term babies from babies born on term, as well as Developmental Care (DC), and the role of nurses in conducting DC.
Conclusions: the majority of studies advocate for DC in Newborn Units as the best form of care for pre-term babies; the role of the nurses is essential for its adequate application and divulgation within the multidisciplinary team, because they are in closer contact with children and their families.

Keywords:

Pre-term newborns; psychological development; developmental care; kangaroo method

Versión en Español

Título:

El profesional de la Enfermería en las unidades neonatales y los cuidados centrados en el desarrollo