Multidiciplinary Care of Preterm and Other Ill and Fragille Infants: Professional Copmpetence of Speech Language Pathologist in a Team of Professionals at Nicu

Abstract

Technological and medical advances in neonatology have prompted initiation and expansion of individuased developmental care of preterm born infants hospitalized on neonatal intensive care unit. Incorporation of rehabilitation professionals into the NICU is a worldwide trend. Availability of therapists specialized in the care of neonates vary from hospital to hosiptal. Speech language pathologist services generally include managment of oral intake, assesment and interventions to promote feeding readiness, feeding and swallowing functions, vidofluorescence study to assess risk of aspiration and parent education. Association of clinical speech and language therapist initiated the first steps for incorporating clinical speech language pathologist into the team of professionals on NICU to all hospitals in the Czech republic and to unify practices used in NICU for feeding.