Feasibility of sensorimotor observation in preterm infants based on André Bullinger's approach

Developmental care delivered during the hospitalization of preterm newborn is now considered as gold standard practice. Healthcare professionals at the University Hospital of Rouen have been trained in developmental care based on André Bullinger's approach, using sensorimotor behavior observation grids to assess preterm infants. While compelling, this approach have been studied less extensively than the NIDCAP program. Being part of a larger effort to promote Bullinger's approach, this first study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using these grids. This is a monocentric, observational cohort study conducted at the University Hospital of Rouen. All preterm neonates born before 33 weeks of gestational age (GA) and admitted between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2023, were included. Bullinger's observation grid was proposed in the newborn's digital health record and should be filled weekly. A total of 979 preterm infants under 33 weeks of GA were included. Sixty-one percent of the included preterm infants were observed during their hospitalization. Preterm infants between 28 and 30 weeks of GA received significantly more observations per week, with 0.44 observations per week on average. Mean observations recorded significantly increased, reaching a peak in 2021. The use of sensorimotor observation is feasible. Therefore, it is essential to encourage evaluation of the impact of André Bullinger's sensorimotor approach on the child.