Desenvolvimento de um checklist de fatores ambientais da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde para unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal

Abstract

Introduction: The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) represents an atypical environment where newborns (NBs) are exposed to various environmental stimuli through unusual sensory experiences, which can be either positive or negative. However, no specific instrument currently exists to assess or classify environmental factors related to the hospital setting in a NICU. In this context, the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) is recommended for understanding health conditions and contextual factors of the individual. Objective: To develop based on ICF environmental factors checklist for NICU. Methods: This is a qualitative study conducted through virtual focus groups and semi-structured interviews, following the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the ICF research department for developing a CORE SET. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee (REC) of the Faculty of Health Sciences of Trairi (FACISA) at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), under opinion number: 6.386.729. The sample included healthcare professionals working in NICU and caregivers of NBs who were admitted to the NICU. Content analysis was performed to identify themes addressed in the discussions, which were then linked to ICF categories for the construction of the checklist. Results: Fourteen participants were included in the sample, consisting of ten professionals, predominantly women (90%), physiotherapists (50%), residents of the northeastern region (50%), with the highest qualification being a specialty in the field (80%), and four caregivers, all female, mothers of premature NBs with a college degree. The process of analyzing the themes and linking them to the ICF generated 21 categories. Conclusion: This study provides a list of relevant categories from the perspective of NICU professionals and caregivers, promoting more effective use of the classification regarding environmental factors, enhancing interventions and the management of NBs and services. It also contributes as a guide for creating assessment tools on the subject.