Publication:

Developmental supportive care in preterm and low birth weight neonates

Background Developmental supportive care (DSC) focuses on evidence-based, family-centered practices designed to enhance neurodevelopment and reduce stress in neonates.

Method A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at SSG Hospital’s NICU over 6 months. DSC interventions were done, and Outcomes were measured through growth, incidence of sepsis and ROP, duration of hospital stay, neurodevelopment at discharge, and outcome compared with the previous 6 months' data. The study aims to reduce neonatal mortality and morbidity, decrease hospital stays, and improve neurodevelopmental outcomes and maternal knowledge for preterm/LBW care. The objective is to assess the effectiveness of DSC in this population.

Results The study demonstrated significantly improved neonatal growth parameters, with mean weight increased at 1st week from 157.84 grams to 947.16 grams and head circumference expanded at 1st week from 0.54 cm to 5.51 cm over eight weeks. A mean duration of MV of 0.93 days, CPAP of 1.47 days, and oxygen support (NP) of 0.99 days, an average of 14.09 days in room air, suggesting that DSC may reduce respiratory support duration and facilitate quicker weaning. The implementation of DSC means hospital stay of 17.3 days and a total hospital stay of 17.3 days, from the previous 6 month mean of 22.3 days. No one baby is discharged with neurological sequelae. The study demonstrated, with mean scores of mothers' knowledge for preterm/LBW care rising from 1.14 at birth to 8.45 at discharge, p value of <0.0001.

Conclusion DSC significantly improved growth, reduced hospital stays and respiratory support needs, and enhanced maternal knowledge of preterm care.