Exploring the history and ethics of neonatal care
Life and Death in the Nursery: A History of Neonatology
This study looks at how advances in medical technology have changed the way we care for newborns in intensive care units, focusing on the experiences of doctors and parents while exploring the tough decisions about life and quality of life for these tiny patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Piscataway, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11004964 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the development of neonatology as a medical subspecialty and the technologies that have transformed care for newborns. It examines how advancements in medical machinery have enabled the survival of infants who would have previously not survived, particularly in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) established in the 1960s. The project will analyze the experiences of healthcare providers and parents within this context, focusing on the ethical dilemmas surrounding life, death, and quality of life in neonatal care. By exploring these themes, the research aims to provide insights into the historical and ongoing challenges faced in the field of neonatology.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are families with newborns in NICUs or those who have experienced neonatal care.
Not a fit: Patients who are not involved in neonatal care or do not have a newborn in the NICU may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance understanding of the ethical and medical complexities in neonatal care, potentially improving decision-making processes for families and healthcare providers.
How similar studies have performed: While this research explores historical and ethical dimensions, similar studies in medical ethics and neonatal care have shown success in informing practices and policies.
Where this research is happening
Piscataway, United States
- Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. — Piscataway, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schoen, Johanna — Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
- Study coordinator: Schoen, Johanna
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.