Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative
SOOTHE Initiative
Supporting Optimal Outcomes Through a Healing Environment (SOOTHE)
Babies in the NICU receive extraordinary care but are also exposed to environmental stressors that can impact brain development.
SOOTHE is FPQC’s next NICU quality improvement initiative that launched in October 2025. The initiative will focus on promoting a neuroprotective NICU culture by optimizing developmentally appropriate sensory care through three key drivers:
- Sensory Environment
- Noxious Stimuli
- Positive Touch/Interactions
Engaging caregivers early to recognize and respond to their baby’s stress cues is also essential.
SOOTHE is informed by The Neonatal Integrative Developmental Care Model by Altimier & Phillips published in the Newborn & Infant Nursing Reviews (2016) 230–244.
Participation in SOOTHE qualifies as one of the two FPQC initiatives required by Florida statute.
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The SOOTHE Initiative Toolbox contains toolkit documents, educational materials, and more. This resource is updated regularly throughout the initiative.
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SOOTHE Data Webinar: Data Tools & Processes (October 29, 2025)
SOOTHE Kickoff Meeting Presentations (October 22, 2025)
- Welcome
- The Environment and Experiences Influence on Neurological Outcomes in the Preterm Infant — Terrie Inder, MD, PhD, MBChB
- Initiative Overview
- Key Driver Presentation 1 (Readiness): Sensory Environment
- Key Driver Presentation 2 (Recognition): Noxious Stimuli
- Key Driver Presentation 3 (Response): Positive Touch
- Data Measurement Overview
- Implementation Strategies