NURSING CARE THAT PROTECTS NEURODEVELOPMENT IN A NEONATOLOGY UNIT IN THE CENTRAL-SOUTH REGION OF CHILE

Abstract

Objective: To study the experiences of the nursing team in relation to neurodevelopmental protective
care based on Altimier and Phillips's of Integrated Neonatal Developmental Care. Material and Method: Qualitative, exploratory, descriptive research carried out in a neonatology unit of a hospital in central- southern Chile during the period of 2021 and 2022. A non-probabilistic snowball sampling was used, involving 8 nurses and 8 TENS (licensed practical nurses) after prior informed consent. Data collection was
conducted through 8 in-depth interviews, which ended when saturation was reached. 2 focus groups were conducted, with a total of 4 participants each one for data triangulation. Due to the pandemic context, the sessions were conducted via a digital video communication platform and were recorded and transcribed in Word format. The analysis was thematic, based on Max van Manen’s method. Results: 3 thematic axes were identified: 1) protective care, 2) family involvement in care, and 3) pain and stress management. Conclusions: The nursing team implements several strategies recommended by Altimier and Phillip's model, with a particular focus on environmental factors such as light and noise protection.