Abstract PCCLB-38: SUPPORTING NEURODEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOMES FOR NEONATES IN THE PAEDIATRIC INTENSIVE CARE SETTING

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Aims & Objectives: Neurological sequelae in infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) emulate those in premature infants. Developmentally supportive practices are seen as a strategy to mitigate some of the effects of the critical care environment on the vulnerable brain. Aims: To establish a framework of developmentally supportive care beyond the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) setting. Methods Based on the success of established neurodevelopmental care initiates in the NICU, we constituted a governance committee and conducted a feasibility survey on PICU staff knowledge and attitudes towards the concept. Targeted multidisciplinary education sessions were undertaken to capture the majority of PICU staff. With a clinical developmental round to support practice and provide practical ongoing education for staff implemented. We plan to conduct a subsequent post-implementation survey in the next six months to gain feedback for evaluation and comparison. Results Twenty four percent of 150 PICU staff completed the survey. 90% of respondents indicated they understood the benefits of neurodevelopmental care while 64% felt confident in implementing developmentally supportive strategies. 45% identified there was adequate resources to support this initiative in the PICU. Conclusions Developmentally supportive practices for young infants are well recognised in the NICU setting. Research indicates this approach may also be helpful in high risk infants and those with CHD, both in pre and postoperative periods in the PICU. The governance committee have formulated a proactive strategy for ongoing staff education, evaluation, and implementation of neuro-protective practice in the PICU designed to support neurodevelopmental outcomes.