Premature infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) may experience extensive hospitalizations due to prematurity and medical complications requiring interventions to sustain life and support physiological development. NICU staff are often focused on immediate medical concerns for these infants and may not consider the development and play needs for these long term hospitalized infants. Occupational therapists are aware of the importance of play and supporting the parental role and co-occupations between the infant and parents. This capstone paper discusses the Shaping the Lives of Little Ones Developmental Equipment Project for infants, nurses, and parents designed to provide opportunities for sensory-motor experiences and play for older infants by increasing access to essential equipment and toys for infants’ development. Details of the project, methodology, implementation, results and future implications for practice and research are presented.
| Date of Award | Jan 1 2021 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Supervisor | Elise Bloch (Supervisor) |
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