Brain-Focused Critical Care Extends NIDCAP Beyond the NICU

A narrative review that formally names the ICU pharmacist as a core member of interdisciplinary neurodevelopmental care teams across neonatal, pediatric, and cardiac critical care units.

neurodevelopmental careNIDCAPpediatric critical carePICUNICUCVICUPCICUdeliriumsedationcongenital heart diseasePANDEMICU Liberationnarrative reviewpharmacist role Critical Care / ICU

Background Information

Shifting pediatric critical care towards brain-focused outcomes.

Neurodevelopmental outcomes are critical for pediatric ICU survivors, influencing long-term quality of life and functional status. Evidence supports that neurodevelopmental care may reduce delirium rates, enhance functional recovery, and improve early developmental outcomes. This review highlights the importance of integrating brain-focused care across all pediatric critical care settings, though evidence strength and outcomes vary. Implementing brain-focused critical care may improve long-term outcomes for pediatric ICU patients.

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Authors: Morag S, Bernstein T, Jones MB, Wernovsky G, Pollak U

Citation: Morag S, Bernstein T, Jones MB, et al. Neurodevelopmental care across pediatric critical care settings: toward brain-focused critical care. European journal of pediatrics. 2026;185(7). doi:10.1007/s00431-026-07203-y

Article Links: PubMed · Journal / DOI · Free Full Text (PMC)

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Executive Summary

Study Design

Patient Population

Primary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes & Safety Profile

Pharmacist Implications

Clinical Pearls

Limitations

Controversies & Evidence Gaps

Cost & Logistics

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