Challenges in providing developmentally supportive care: a case presentation.

Abstract

A developmentally supportive family-centered approach to care is extremely valuable for even the most critically ill infant. This case presentation of Martha, a severely small for gestational age twin born at 30 weeks gestation, highlights three major areas in which clinical care is enhanced through the integration of neurobehavioral observation: self-regulation, comfort, and family advocacy. The ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, and integrity were relied upon to ensure her humane care.