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Review
. 2016 Aug 1;114(4):361-7.
doi: 10.5546/aap.2016.eng.361. Epub 2016 Aug 1.

Neonatal intensive care unit lighting: update and recommendations

[Article in English, Spanish]
Roberto G Rodríguez  1 , Andrea E Pattini  2
Affiliations
Free article
Review

Neonatal intensive care unit lighting: update and recommendations

[Article in English, Spanish]
Roberto G Rodríguez et al. Arch Argent Pediatr. .
Free article

Abstract
in English, Spanish

Achieving adequate lighting in neonatal intensive care units is a major challenge: in addition to the usual considerations of visual performance, cost, energy and aesthetics, there appear different biological needs of patients, health care providers and family members. Communicational aspects of light, its role as a facilitator of the visual function of doctors and nurses, and its effects on the newborn infant physiology and development were addressed in order to review the effects of light (natural and artificial) within neonatal care with a focus on development. The role of light in regulating the newborn infant circadian cycle in particular and the therapeutic use of light in general were also reviewed. For each aspect, practical recommendations were specified for a proper well-lit environment in neonatal intensive care units.

Lograr una iluminación adecuada en las unidades de cuidados intensivos neonatales es un gran desafío: además de las consideraciones habituales de rendimiento visual, costo, energía y estética, aparecen las diferentes necesidades biológicas de los pacientes, profesionales y familiares. Con el objetivo de revisar los efectos de la luz (natural y artificial) en el marco del cuidado neonatal centrado en el desarrollo, se abordaron los aspectos comunicacionales de la luz, su rol como facilitador de la función visual de los profesionales y sus efectos sobre la fisiología y el desarrollo del neonato. También se revisó el papel de la luz en la regulación del ciclo circadiano del neonato en particular y el uso terapéutico de la luz en general. Para cada aspecto, se especificaron recomendaciones prácticas para lograr un ambiente luminoso adecuado en las unidades de cuidados intensivos neonatales.

Keywords: Ergonomics; Intensive care; Lighting; Review.

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