2nd Annual Developmental Care Conference Trauma-informed Developmental Care in the NICU

Recent evidence highlights the importance of a trauma-informed, age-appropriate approach to care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The purpose of this one-day course is to explore sources and impacts of trauma in the NICU as well as strategies for implementing trauma-informed, age-appropriate developmental care into practice. This conference will highlight critical trauma-informed developmental interventions participants can immediately apply to make a difference in the outcomes of the infants and families in their care.

Course Objectives
The learner will:
1. Describe the impact of toxic stress on the developing brain.
2. List 3 traumatic experiences of the hospitalized infant associated with an NICU stay.
3. Identify 3 evidence-based age-appropriate care strategies that mitigate toxic stress in the NICU.
4. Describe factors that alter neonates’ response to pain.
5. Identify potential genetic sites associated with pain sensitivity.
6. Explain role of cytochrome p450 polymorphisms for differences in analgesic metabolism.
7. Compare and contrast the differences between the symptoms of acute stress disorder (ASD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
8. Explain the 6 components of the SPIKES approach to delivering difficult news to families.
9. Discuss at least three strategies to support a family in crisis during and beyond the NICU stay.
10. Describe the current practice environment.
11. Define resiliency characteristics.
12. Identify strategies for building resiliency