Neonatal unit (NU) Infant Medical Trauma and the lifelong implications for children and their families.

INTRODUCTION: Infant Medical Trauma (IMT) is a result of prolonged toxic experiences usually experienced by patients in the neonatal unit (NU), and is associated with significant sequalae. METHOD: This article describes the pathophysiology of IMT and the short- and long-term impacts. The possible methods of minimising this is discussed. RESULTS: Increased neonatal staff and parent awareness of IMT could encourage clustering of care, improved use of tools for recognition of pain and further highlight the benefits of family-integrated care and skin-to-skin care. CONCLUSION: While IMT may be considered a consequence of survival from the NU, it's effects can be minimised with a range of techniques to protect the patients (and parents) from psychological harm.