Date of Award
2025
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Kelly Dornbier
Abstract
Background: Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) in the United States admit approximately 300,000 infants annually (Valencia et al., 2023). Upon admission, neonatal occupational therapists assess a range of factors, including neurobehavioral, neuromotor, musculoskeletal, and sensory systems, as well as family/caregiver interactions and activities of daily living (Craig et al., 2018). This comprehensive evaluation underscores the need for effective assessment tools, efficient protocols, and adequate support for therapists. However, practitioners often face challenges that impact the quality of care, such as limited resources, lack of specialized training, and inconsistent organizational standards (Kaur et al., 2021). Occupational therapy has emerged as a crucial practice within the NICU, with a focus on evaluating both the personal and contextual factors affecting neonates.
Purpose: The project aimed to create an evidence-based, standardized, and efficient guideline for evaluation and documentation in the NICU context.
Methods: A literature review was completed to identify barriers within this population. A needs assessment was then completed to evaluate the context and population of the NICU. Extensive research was also completed on available NICU assessments based on the information gathered from the literature review. The student and site mentor utilized this information to select 4 assessments/screens. After choosing these assessments/screens an evaluation protocol was created with collaboration between the student, site mentor, and NICU staff. The product utilizes the foundations of the Ecological Model of Human Performance (EHP; Dunn, 2017) to guide assessments and interventions and Synactive Development Theory.
Product: The product created was a standardized evaluation protocol. The final product includes an outline for documenting each assessment within the electronic medical record system. A 7 protocol for use within the NICU therapy department. Informational handouts for caregivers that explain the purpose and application of each assessment. The protocol provides an efficient way to evaluate and document within the context of the NICU, eliminating previously faced barriers by neonatal occupational therapists. The protocol also considers the specific population of the site, a level III NICU.
Significance: The product provides the level III NICU context with an efficient and evidencebased protocol for evaluation ensuring comprehensive, occupational based, client centered care. The protocol also includes a process for efficient and consistent documentation that allows information to be shared within the care team in an easily understood way.
Recommended Citation
Redlin, Mary, "CREATING A NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT EVIDENCE BASED EVALUATION PROTOCOL" (2025). Occupational Therapy Capstones. 662.
https://commons.und.edu/ot-grad/662