Integrating Neonatal Vascular Access and Neuroprotective Care

Since its inception, hospital-based neonatal care has changed in many ways. Early concerns about improving survival have been added to. Practices aimed at reducing the burden of ill health due to prematurity, improving family experience and involvement, and optimising infant long-term developmental outcomes have become widespread. Improvements in vascular access equipment, technique, and infusion therapy have made important contributions towards these aims. However, there are significant aspects of vascular access practice where greater integration with wider considerations could enhance infant and family outcomes. These considerations include interventions collectively referred to as developmentally supportive and neuroprotective care. This chapter brings together consideration of the various issues explored in this book to inform debate about new ways of working when using this essential and ubiquitous aspect of practice.