10  •  2019  •  Developmental Observer

NIDCAP is theory-guided, relationship-based and system-
oriented. According to Gilkerson & Als, “Changes in the larger 
system affect the dynamics within the smaller unit”.1 Therefore it 
appears important to act at a national level to support NIDCAP 
dissemination.

Aims/Purpose

To describe strategies developed at a national level in France dur-
ing the last decade to support developmental care and NIDCAP 
implementation. 

Methods

The goals were:
1. To create guidelines on family-centered developmental care;

2. To disseminate evidence-based data;

3. To train future neonatologists to the basis of early interven-
tion;

4. To create a special partnership with national parents’ groups

5. To act at a political level to change national laws.

Working on the National System: The French Experience 
Sizun Ja, Bouvard Cb, Zana Ec, Zores Cd, Kuhn Pe, Casper Cf, Zaoui Cg, Thiriez Gh, Audéoud Fh , Guillois Bi

aBrest; bSOS Prema, cParis Port-Royal; dStrasbourg, eToulouse, fValenciennes, gBesançon, hGrenoble, iCaen



Developmental Observer  •  2019  •  11  

Results/Findings 

The Groupe de Reflexion sur l’Environnement En Néonatalogie 
(GREEN), a special interest group from the Société Française 
de Neonatalogie (SFN), including two parents groups (SOS 
prema and CIANE), is publishing texts on the parents’ role, 
the optimal NICU environment, postural support, skin to 
skin.

- A French book “Soins de développement en néonatalogie: de
la recherche à la pratique” edited in 20142 is the reference for
professionals and trainees.

- A one-day session on developmental care has been integrated
in the curriculum of pediatric and neonatal training

- NIDCAP professionnals participated in the “Assises de la
prématurité”, a special event created by the SFN, SOS prema

and politicians and in the study group “prematurity and 
vulnerable newborns” at the Assemblée Nationale. 

- NIDCAP professionals are participating in the training of
local and national parents’ representatives.

Conclusion 

Active participation of neonatologists, implication of the na-
tional scientific society, close collaboration with parents group 
and contacts with politicians have created a positive climate for 
NIDCAP dissemination and implementation in France. 

References

1. Gilkerson L, Als H. Role of reflective process in the implementation of developmentally sup-
portive care in the intensive care nursery. Infants and Young Children. 1995;7:20–28.

2. Sizun J, Guillois B, Casper C, Thiriez T, Kuhn P. Soins de développement en période néona-
tale - De la recherche à la pratique 2014, Publisher LAVOISIER MSP (In French)

Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP)

The Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP), originated in 1984 by Heidel-

ise Als, PhD, is the only comprehensive, family centered, evidence-based approach to newborn developmental care. 

NIDCAP focuses on adapting the newborn intensive care nursery to the unique neurodevelopmental strengths and 

goals of each newborn cared for in this medical setting. These adaptations encompass the physical environment and its 

components, as well as, the care and treatment provided for the infant and his or her family, their life-long nurturers and 

supporters.

Assessment of Preterm Infants’ Behavior (APIB) 

The Assessment of Preterm Infants’ Behavior (APIB) (Als et al., 1982) is a comprehensive and systematic research 

based neurobehavioral approach for the assessment of preterm and fullterm newborns. The APIB provides an invalu-

able diagnostic resource for the advanced level clinician in support of developmental care provision in a nursery.

NIDCAP Nursery Program

The NIDCAP Nursery Program provides a comprehensive resource for the self- evaluation by a nursery system of its 

strengths and goals for integration of NIDCAP principles into all aspects of their functioning. Highly attuned implementa-

tion of NIDCAP care for infants and their families, as well as for the staff, in a developmentally supportive environment 

is a goal as well as a process. External review and validation by the NFI may be sought when a nursery feels it has 

achieved this distinction. Nurseries that have achieved NIDCAP Nursery certification serve as a model and an inspiration 

to others. For information on the nursery self-assessment resources as well as the certification process and its eligibility 

requirements, please see: www.nidcap.org; and/or contact Rodd E. Hedlund, MEd, NIDCAP Nursery Program Director 

at: nidcapnurserydirector@nidcap.org or 785-841-5440.

The Gold Standard for Excellence in Newborn 
Individualized Developmental Care
What All Newborn Infants and Their Families Deserve

www.nidcap.org
nidcapnurserydirector@nidcap.org