Constructing a programme of change to improve the provision of family-centred developmental care on a neonatal unit

Family-centred developmental care (FCDC) is often cited as forming the foundations of holistic and humane neonatal nursing, the benefits of which are well documented. Research suggests however, that FCDC is often not implemented to its maximum potential which can have detrimental effects for both infants and families. This problem was recognised by senior management on the authors’ unit who reactively developed the Family Care Team (FCT) with the aim of dealing with the problem. The FCT developed their own audit tool and devised a tailor-made teaching programme to improve the provision of FCDC on the neonatal unit.

Elizabeth K. Armstrong, Anita L. Ball, Janet Leatherbarrow