Developmentally supportive care in a neonatal intensive care unit: a research utilization project

PURPOSE: To implement three aspects of developmental care: lower noise levels, decreased light levels, and flexed, midline positioning. DESIGN: Research utilization project. The developmental care interventions were implemented on a daily basis for two hours of ‘quiet time’ during each eight-hour shift. SAMPLE: 49 infants with mean gestational ages of 35.1 +/- 3.2 weeks and mean weights of 2,107 +/- 464 gm. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE: Noise levels, light levels, and flexed midline positioning. RESULTS: Mean light levels and mean noise levels decreased during ‘quiet time’ on all three shifts during the project. Optimal positioning was achieved 78 percent of the time during the project period observations.

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