Well established principles for the care of premature infants include constant and competent nursing care, maintenance of satisfactory environment, prevention of infection and provision of proper nutrition.
Implementation of these principles is based on specific standards for care, which cover physical facilities, equipment, qualifications and duties of personnel.
There is need for community-wide integrated programs which will insure care that meets these standards, for every premature infant. Programs should include establishment of specialized centers to provide care meeting all standards, and facilities to train personnel both in and outside these centers; decentralized training and guidence in areas other than the centers; complete case-finding and provision for transportation; adequate follow-up; services of public health nurses and social workers. Cooperation, central planning and acceptance of responsibility by health departments, medical schools, private physicians and community agencies are all essential to success.