Therapeutic Environment and Premature newborns Development

Abstract

Introduction: Prematurity is the leading cause of neonatal mortality, however, the survival of preterm infants is guaranteed. Prolonged exposure to numerous sensory stimuli during early neonatal intensive care units contributes to the increased likelihood of organic and/or psychological sequelae. Objectives: Identify the best measures to minimize the impact that the sensorial environment of neonatal intensive care units has on the development of premature newborns. Methods: An integrative literature review was carried out in CINAHL, PubMed and MEDLINE databases, according to the PICOD methodology (participants, intervention, context, results and design). Results: The analysis of the 6 articles included in the study showed a set of environmental measures to be included in the care of premature newborns. The main recommendations mentioned were organized into categories, namely, physical environment, sensory environment, technology and parental training. Conclusion: From this review emerges the need to define consistent and consensual strategies for the optimization of the therapeutic environment in neonatal intensive care units.