Highlights and Benefits

Advancements in our ability to care for high risk newborns continue to create a population of NICU survivors who stay in the newborn intensive care unit during a critical period in the development of their central nervous system. Recent evidence shows that the cascade of ongoing stimuli in the NICU significantly affects the maturity and growth of the developing brain.

While scientists increasingly appreciate the brain’s vulnerability, they also respect the potential benefits of preventive efforts, such as changes in the NICU environment and patient care, including parental support and follow up surveillance of their development. As clinicians, we must critically examine the care we provide to these tiny infants in order to facilitate resilience and protect their fragile central nervous system.

The 24th Annual Developmental Interventions in Neonatal Care will examine the multidisciplinary challenges posed by this infant population and provide developmental and behavioral strategies for improving outcomes. A specialized faculty of experienced clinicians and eminent researchers from the fields of medicine, nursing, psychology, education and rehabilitative medicine will discuss the applicability of research findings and appropriate developmental and behavioral strategies during hospitalization and following discharge.

What makes the 2008 Conference a “must-attend” event?

• Hot topics such as the impact of maternal use of SSRI’s and methamphetamines on neonatal outcomes, controversies in neonatal sucking & swallowing and the possible relationship between prematurity and autism.
  
  
• Updates on neonatal head and total body cooling, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and the early identification of cerebral palsy.
  
  
• Exciting Preconferences for beginning to advanced practitioners, highlighting specific developmental intervention practices.
  
  
• 24 Concurrent Sessions covering a wide variety of topics, allowing you to tailor the conference experience to meet your own educational needs, special interests and professional goals.
  
  
• Evidence-based updates showing the benefits of developmental care.
  
  
• Practical strategies for delivering the most effective developmental care in your setting.
  
  
• Valuable “tips” that you can apply immediately to ensure quality care in today’s challenging environment.
  
  
• Opportunities to fine-tune your ability to provide optimum care for the smallest of infants.
  
  
• Case studies to stimulate discussion and collaboration.
  
  
• A chance to network with dynamic leaders from across the country, and from a variety of distinguished institutions.
  
  
• Time to share ideas and build professional relationships with colleagues from across the nation.
  
  
• Denver – the fabulous Mile High City – where you can enjoy a taste of the old and new West!

This conference will extend the scope of your professional practice as you interact with colleagues and faculty who can provide new resources for professional support. Sharpen your knowledge of both the art and the science of providing the best care to ensure optimal outcome for infants in the NICU. Come prepared to be challenged, to learn, to network, to listen, to interact, and to get involved. Make a difference in the lives of these fragile infants and their families. See you in October!

Kathleen A. VandenBerg, PhD
Conference Coordinator

Joy Voyles Browne, PhD, RN, CNS
Planning Committee

Erin Sundseth Ross, PhD, CCC-SLP
Planning Committee

Forrest Curt Bennett, MD
Planning Consultant

gretchen Lawhon, PhD, RN
Planning Consultant

Margaret L. Blair, BSN, RN
Vice President of HealthCare Programs
Contemporary Forums