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
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Adventhealth for Children
Adventhealth Ocala
Adventhealth Tampa
Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast
Baptist Health Baptist Hospital
Baptist Health Bethesda Hospital East
Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital
Baptist Health South Miami Hospital
Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital
Good Samaritan Medical Center
Halifax Health Medical Center
HCA Florida Brandon Hospital
HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital
HCA Florida Mercy Hospital
HCA Florida North Florida Hospital
HCA Florida Northwest Hospital
HCA Florida Osceola Hospital
HCA Florida Palms West Hospital
HCA Florida University Hospital
HCA Oak Hill Hospital
Health First Holmes Regional Medical Center
Holtz Children's Hospital, Jackson Health System
Jupiter Medical Center
Lakeland Regional Health
Manatee Memorial Hospital
Mease Countryside Hospital
Morton Plant Hospital
Mount Sinai Medical Center
Nemours Children's Hospital
St. Joseph's Hospital - North
St. Joseph's Hospital - South
St. Joseph's Women's Hospital
St. Mary's Medical Center
Studer Family Children's Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart
Tallahassee Memorial Hospital
Tampa General Hospital
UF Health Jacksonville
UF Health Shands Hospital
UF Health Flagler Hospital
Wellington Regional Medical Center
West Boca Medical Center
Winter Haven Women's Hospital