Parental participation: essential for developmental care but challenging in neonatal wards

Abstract

Premature babies, born at less than 37 weeks gestational age, represent 7% of births in Belgium. According to the degree of prematurity and severity of associated illnesses, the special needs of preterm infants are provided in neonatal units, ranging from non-intensive wards to high-tech neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Despite progress in neonatal care, which have led to increased survival, premature infants are at risk of developing long-term morbidities such as complex cognitive dysfunctions, behavioural disabilities, and socio-emotional problems. These developmental morbidities do not only affect the most immature, but also moderately and late preterm infants born between 32 and 37 weeks of gestational age. To enhance neurobehavioral outcome, neonatal units try to implement developmental care policies. One of the key features of most developmental strategies is parental involvement and participation in the care of their baby. Yet, it remains one of the biggest challenges. It requires considering parents as primary caregivers and partners in clinical decision-making.