PERINATAL SOCIAL WORK IN NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNITS (NICU)

In recent years, the survival rates of premature and high-risk infants have increased significantly. Developmental care practices have played a major role in this positive increase. Developmental care refers to the arrangement of the neonatal intensive care unit environment to support the infant's neurological system. The aim of these specialized units is to both ensure the survival of infants with special care needs and to provide them with high-quality and safe care. Today, practices are carried out according to guidelines created by certain institutions and associations worldwide regarding developmental care practices. Family-centered care and a healing environment, which are among the measures included in this scope, have become increasingly important in the process. Regarding this type of care, seven key neuroprotective measures are used: providing a healing environment, minimizing stress and pain, establishing partnership with the family, providing positioning and care, protecting sleep, protecting skin, and ensuring optimal nutrition.