Advocacy and Policy in Enhancing Nursing Care for Premature Infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Abstract

Background: NICU is a facility to cater for premature infants and nursing care is critical to their survival and future well being. Staffing, care environment and family centered practices are best enhanced through advocacy and policies.

Aim: Understanding the principles of advocacy and policy in relation to neonatal nursing care and how nurses can effect change in practice to positively improve the care of premature babies is the focus of this study.

Methods: A literature search was undertaken to identify how advocacy and policy affected NICUs relative to staffing, family integrated models of care, and evidence based care.

Results: Therefore, there are strong suggestions of promoting nurse advocacy concerning staff ratios, working environment, and family-friendly and equality policies.

Conclusion: The awareness and both legal and political viewpoints are important when trying to increase the quality of the treatment of newborns and outcomes in premature babies. Nurses must therefore work hard in demanding for policy reforms that enhance the best care.