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This paper sets out how the Psychologically Informed Environments (PIE) model, which originated in the homelessness sector, can be applied to the complex medical environments of Neonatal and Paediatric Intensive Care (P/NICU). Whilst there are key differences between NICUs and PICUs, there exist so many commonalities, most notably the similarity of parent and staff experiences and the coexisting medical, psychological and developmental needs of babies and children. PIE provides a whole systems approach to improving psychological wellbeing in all those in the environment: babies, children, parents, families and staff. The paper explores how PIE methodology could be applied to P/NICUs; offering examples grounded in practice; and describing how PIE can meet the fundamental needs of babies and children, parents and staff and has the potential to prevent the challenging environment having a negative impact on those who are exposed to it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In September 2023, 58 psychological professionals from across the UK and Republic of Ireland convened for an 'Unconference' event in Birmingham to strengthen their developing community of practice in paediatric and neonatal critical care settings. This article describes the origins, purpose, format, content and evaluation of the Unconference, providing a map for groups to follow when organising such events in the future including helpful routes to take and pitfalls to avoid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]