UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME

An interprofessional committee of neonatal experts has convened for more than 5 years, to study the science, evidence, and best practice of developmental care; and the associated outcomes to the baby and family. The purpose was to establish a document of standardized practice to implement collaborative team management with babies and families through the continuum of hospital to home care. The committee identified gaps in care management/practice to include: a) lack of collaborative function of health care providers and caregivers to perform neurodevelopmental management of the baby, b) failure to consistently include the parents/family as members of the team, c) variation in the application of interventions to satisfy mutual goals for the health and wellbeing of babies, families, and staff, d) inability to recognize the communication of the baby in response to intervention, and e) inadequate education and mentoring to guide effective interaction with the baby. It is vital that care be..