Description and evidence on the supporting and enhancing neonatal intensive care unit sensory experiences (SENSE) program

Abstract

Aim: To describe the supporting and enhancing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) sensory experiences (SENSE) program, associated research and opportunities for further study. Methods: A review of current materials on SENSE program implementation, publications related to SENSE development, and research on program implementation and patient outcomes was conducted to describe the SENSE program and its associated research. Results: The SENSE program combines structured, evidence-based, multisensory interventions with parent engagement in order to optimise outcomes in the complex NICU environment. Through a stepwise and scientific process, the SENSE program was developed to include specific doses and targeted timing (based on the infant's postmenstrual age, PMA) of evidence-based interventions such as massage, auditory exposure, rocking, holding and skin-to-skin care for parents to provide their infants each day of NICU hospitalisation. It is adapted in context of concurrent medical interventions, infant behavioural responses, as well as NICU culture. The program is feasible to implement, acceptable to staff, and related to infants receiving more developmentally appropriate sensory exposures. Adaptations related to NICU culture and parent involvement have been reported. Research has identified relationships of the SENSE program to improved parent confidence, neurobehaviour and feeding at term age as well as improved communication 1 year of age. Conclusion: The literature related to the SENSE program is promising, but more research on efficacy and implementation is needed.