NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS): Training and Certification
Offered by the Brown Center for the Study of Children at Risk, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Women & Infants Hospital, and Brown University Office of Continuing Education
Instructor(s): Lynne Andreozzi Fontaine
Location: Women and Infants Hospital
Dates: June 15-19, 2009
Meeting Times: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Fee: $1,500
Application Due Date: May 22, 2009
Description: This course will train students to administer and score the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS). This course will attempt to meet the specific needs of those being trained.
The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS) examines the neurobehavioral organization, neurological reflexes, motor development - active and passive tone, and signs of stress and withdrawal of the at-risk and drug-exposed infant. The NNNS was developed for the NIH as part of the multisite Maternal Lifestyles Study.
The NNNS was designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of both neurological integrity and behavioral function. In addition, the NNNS documents the range of withdrawal and stress behavior likely to be observed in assessment and intervention with substance-exposed infants.
The NNNS’ comprehensive assessment of neurobehavioral functioning is applicable to term, normal healthy infants, preterm infants, and infants at-risk due to factors such as prenatal substance exposure. As such, it is a useful tool for both researchers and clinicians. The NNNS provides a useful format for neuro-developmental and neurobehavioral assessment in clinical settings such as hospital nurseries—including the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)—neonatal follow-up programs and early intervention programs (EIP). Users are able to create a symptom oriented intervention plan for the infant. Additionally, the NNNS exam can be repeated on a regular basis, without affecting reliability and validity of the scoring.Although the NNNS can be used for a single observation, repeated observations over time provide the user with the necessary data to inform his or her clinical practice or enhance a research protocol while accommodating the dynamic nature of the developing neonate.
Upon completion, trainees may be certified to administer the NNNS.
Required Insurance Information: Each student in the NNNS workshop will maintain professional liability insurance with limits of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and at least $3,000,000 in the annual aggregate. A copy of the certificate of insurance is required to be presented with the application. The certificate of insurance must have the name of company, policy number, address of insurer, and coverage provided.
Who should attend: Pediatricians, child development specialists, nurses, neonatologists, psychologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, early interventionists, clinicians involved in the assessment/evaluation of at-risk infants.
Course Objectives: At the completion of the course participants will be able to:
- Use the required testing materials
- Administer the items
- Observe newborn behaviors during the evaluation
- Score the exam
Teaching strategies:
Lecture, demonstration of the administration and scoring of NNNS
Evaluation:
Trainees will be certified according to the reliability guidelines as outlined in the NNNS manual.
Instructor Bio(s): Dr. Lynne Andreozzi Fontaine is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the Community College of Rhode Island and an Adjunct Associate Professorin the Department of Pediatrics. Dr. Andreozzi Fontaine has been involved through research and clinical intervention in working with families affected by perinatal substance abuse. Dr. Andreozzi Fontaine’s research involves study of the efficacy of theVulnerable Infants Program of Rhode Island (VIP-RI). VIP-RI is a demonstration project designed to improve the community’s ability to manage cases of drug-exposed children at risk for compromised development and to provide the earliest and best intervention for vulnerable infants.Dr. Andreozzi Fontaine is also the coordinator of the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS) Training Program.She utilizes the NNNS for clinical, research, and teaching purposes, specifically in consultation with newborn nurseries and through the Vulnerable Infants Program (VIP-RI).She is certified to train others on the proper administration, scoring, and interpretation of the NNNS.Her additional clinical work at the center encompasses the assessment of infants and young children, and behavioral consultation with area professionals and caregivers.Her current research interests include attachment and substance exposed infants.