Abstract

Traditional nursing care is changing into a process-oriented organisational form. With modernisation of the definition of nursing care, a new chapter has been opened in which the patient becomes the focus of treatment. The process-oriented work method and the selection of different procedures and approaches lead to individualised nursing care. Neonatal intensive care units are in the process of introducing a new approach called »Developmental Care« - Neonatal individualised developmental care and assessment programme (NIDCAP). This approach is based on knowledge of the development and behaviour of neonates and on the organisation of the immediate physical surroundings and nursing care. It tries to prevent stressful behaviour in the neonate by regulating the environment and removing unnecessary environmental stimuli. The neonate is treated as an active participant in the process of nursing care.

Key words: neonate, nursing care, Developmental care, physical environment.