Neurodevelopment in Preterm Neonates: A Comprehensive Approach to Quality of Life

Abstract

Introduction: Prematurity constituted a significant challenge for world public health, being one of the main causes of neonatal mortality. The admission of preterm newborns (PNBs) to neonatal intensive care units (NICU) represented a crucial solution for their survival, although it implied separation from their families and exposure to adverse stimuli. In this context, Neurodevelopmental Centered Care (NCC) emerged as an innovative strategy that reorganized neonatal care towards a more humanized and patient-centered model.Development: NCC integrated practices such as the kangaroo method, non-pharmacological pain management and the active participation of families, promoting an environment that favored the neurodevelopment of the premature infant. These strategies demonstrated benefits such as reduced hospital stay and improved long-term neurological outcomes. However, their implementation was heterogeneous, facing barriers such as lack of specialized training, limited resources and resistance to change in health care teams. Models such as NIDCAP and the integrative approach of Altimier and Phillips offered effective frameworks to guide this care.Conclusions: The CCN was shown to be a key tool for improving the quality of life of RNP and their families. However, its mass adoption will require a coordinated effort that includes ongoing training, inclusive public policies, and adequate resources. The integration of families and an adapted NICU environment emerged as fundamental pillars for the success of this strategy