I am pleased to announce Sharon Cone, PhD(c), NNP-BC, who is the nurse manager of the Newborn Intensive Care Unit at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center (Richmond, VA). Sharon has numerous years of experience both in clinical and administrative roles in neonatal intensive care. She is a well versed speaker and published author and is the guest editor of this issue, which focuses on developmental care strategies and design issues in the newborn intensive care unit. Sharon's unit recently underwent transition from a large open room design to a single family room unit. Her unit was the recipient of the 2009 GE “Imagination at Work” award.

Developmental care has transitioned from “fluff” nursing care to well-established standards of care. There have been numerous data demonstrating improved infant, family, and staff outcomes related to developmental care principles.1 For the past 10 years, evidence has shown that premature infants that are cared for in a developmentally appropriate environment can have the following improved medical outcomes:

Family-centered care is greatly enhanced by improving developmental care principles. Parents more often than not are encouraged to participate in medical rounds, are included in shift change, and are typically included as part of the care team, which leads them to greater interaction with their babies. Parents' increased involvement improves their ability for caretaking upon discharge and decreases stress throughout their stay. Increased participation leads to improved family satisfaction as documented in exit interviews. In addition, staff outcomes, as demonstrated by a decreased turnover rate, are also observed.1, 2

The strong evidence has created the need for unit design standards. As Sharon and the multiple authors will discuss, the physical environment has significant impact on those who live and work there. Developmental care principles and strategies are highlighted throughout these articles.