Introduction: The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit provides specialized care for newborns with various medical conditions. During development, numerous diseases and disorders can lead to delays in motor, cognitive and behavioural areas. Early intervention is essential for ensuring the optimal development of a newborn. Occupational therapist utilizes various interventions to achieve this goal, such as skin to skin contact, handling, adjustment of the environment and parent’s education. Purpose: To determine what is currently known about the role of occupational therapist in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Methods: We conducted a literature review using the following databases: Cinahl, PubMed and Web of Science. The final analysis included 10 scientific articles published between 2014 and 2024. The criteria considered were population, studied phenomenon, setting, study type, year and language. The articles were evaluated based on their level of relevance and evidence according to the AOTA. The search process is presented in a PRISMA diagram. Results: Through the synthesis of articles, we identified three topic: parental involvement in occupational therapy treatment, occupational therapy treatment of newborns in the Neonatal intensive care unit, feeding. The results highlight the importance of an individualized approach and the inclusion of parents, who experience significant stress and anxiety, in the treatment process. They are supported through participation in group treatments with other parents and education on newborn care. Encouraging proper development, movement patterns and adaptation of environment is essential in early intervention. Music is also believed to have a positive impact on the regulation of emotions and physiological responses in newborns. Discussion and conclusion: The occupational therapist promotes the sensorimotor, cognitive and social development of the newborn using a holistic, family-centered approach. Interventions focus on environmental adjustments, the use of sensory integrations, strengthening neurological development, and fostering interactions between the parents and their newborn. Parents in the ward often experience significant worry, uncertainty, and emotional distress. The occupational therapist seeks to empower them through education, participation in group treatments, and health promotion. Additionally, they support parent-newborn bonding and encourage parental involvement in daily activities.
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