Effect of Early Parent Participation Program on Physiological Stability in Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective This research aimed to study the impact of early parent participation program (EPPP) for preterm infants in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) on physiological instability, breastmilk feeding rates, and discharge timing. Materials and Methods Families of 147 infants born between 28 and 33 weeks' gestation were randomized at birth to EPPP group or conventional care (CC). Families in the EPPP group were trained soon after admission by using a structured education program and encouraged to spend more time with their baby. Soon after enrolment (day of life 1 to 2), they would sequentially participate in daily NICU care processes such as orogastric tube feeding, nesting, oil massages, diaper changes, and daily weight checks. Families in the CC group would undergo the same after their infant was off parenteral nutrition and respiratory support. Proportion of infants having physiological instability (significant apnea, feeding intolerance, or needing investigation for sepsis) in two groups was compared. Results There was a significant reduction in the proportion of infants with physiological instability (feeding intolerance) in the EPPP group (relative risk = 0.70 [0.52–0.94], p = 0.016). Infants in EPPP group had a trend toward higher breastmilk feeding rates at discharge (66 vs. 51%, p = 0.076). Conclusion Very early parent participation was feasible in the NICU and led to decrease in physiological instability in preterm infants. Key Points

Effect of family integrated care on breastfeeding of preterm infants: A scoping review

“…The second significant finding of this study is that family integrated care supports breastfeeding of preterm infants, which is consistent with the previous research. In the previous studies, Pillai et al (2022) and Reiter et al (2022) reported that early parent participation in preterm infants' care facilitated a trend towards higher breastfeeding rates at discharge (Pillai et al, 2022; Reiter et al, 2022). To further analyse the reasons, we recognized that multifaceted interventions realized the positive effect of FICare on facilitating breastfeeding.…”

“…Further studies are necessary to verify the conclusion.The second significant finding of this study is that family integrated care supports breastfeeding of preterm infants, which is consistent with the previous research. In the previous studies,Pillai et al (2022) andReiter et al (…”

“…Further research could undertake to investigate the effect or experience of parents' involvement in ward rounds. From our scoping review, there were four other intervention elements of 2022) reported that early parent participation in preterm infants' care facilitated a trend towards higher breastfeeding rates at discharge (Pillai et al, 2022;Reiter et al, 2022). To further analyse the reasons, we recognized that multifaceted interventions realized the positive effect of FICare on facilitating breastfeeding.…”

Basic Life Support Guidance for Caregivers of NICU Graduates: Evaluation of Skill Transfer after Training

“…We implement early parent participation and unrestricted visitation, albeit with strict adherence to hospital and government COVID-19 protocols. 8 The unit follows a well-known indigenously designed checklist format for high-risk newborn care commencing in the perinatal period itself (Blue book). 9 10 11 Families are prepared for the necessity for BLS training during counseling sessions close to rooming-in.…”

Pflegerische Professionalisierung im Rahmen psychosozialer Eltern- und Familienberatung

“…Pflegerische Elternberatende etablieren Frühinterventionen, die beispielsweise durch intensivierte Kommunikation und pflegerische Anleitung nachweislich zur Stressreduktion bei Müttern beitragen 5 7 – 11 beziehungsweise Angehörige von Patienten der Intensivmedizin entlasten 12 13 . Familienintegrierte Pflege mit Beratungsfokus führte zu besseren Ergebnissen für die Kinder 14 sowie zu psychischer Gesundheit der Eltern und höherem Wohlbefinden des Personals 15 . Ausgangsbasis dieser Entwicklungen sind die Bedarfe der Eltern, wie ein ausgeprägtes pflegebezogenes Lernbedürfnis der Mütter 16 .…”