Article

Background: Family-centered care for preterm infants in Western societies has
yielded short- to medium-term benefits. However, the intervention effects have
rarely been validated in Eastern societies.
The aim of this study was
to examine whether a family-centered intervention program (FCIP) could improve
the short-term medical and neurobehavioral outcomes in preterm infants with very
low birth weight (VLBW; a birth weight of <1,500 g) in Taiwan over the outcomes
seen with a usual care program (UCP). This was a multicenter,
single-blind, randomized controlled trial study. Setting: Three medical centers
in northern and southern Taiwan were the locations for the study. Participants:
The participants were 251 VLBW preterm infants without severe perinatal
complications. Intervention: The infants were randomly assigned to receive the
FCIP or the UCP during hospitalization. Measurements: Infant morbidities,
feeding, growth, and neurobehavioral performance were evaluated during the
neonatal period. Parental adherence to interventions was measured in the FCIP
group. Results: The FCIP promoted earlier full enteral feeding (beta = -1.1
weeks; 95% CI = -1.9 to -0.2 weeks) and hospital discharge (beta = -0.6 week; 95%
CI = -1.1 to -0.1 weeks), greater weight gain (beta = 3.3 g/d; 95% CI = 0.1 to
6.6 g/d), and better neurobehavioral performance than the UCP (beta = 1.2 points;
95% CI = 0.2 to 2.3 points). Furthermore, a higher degree of parental motivation
in interventions, goal attainment, and comprehensiveness of home activities was
significantly associated with greater effects in infants' neurobehavioral
performance and weight gain (r = .20-.31; all Ps < .05). Limitations: The
findings may not be generalized to preterm infants with severe perinatal diseases
and parents with a low level of interest in interventions. Conclusions:
Family-centered care facilitated short-term medical and neurobehavioral outcomes
in VLBW preterm infants in Taiwan; the effects were likely achieved through
parental adherence to interventions. The designated strategies may be considered
in a future launch of family-centered care in Taiwan.

Langue : ANGLAIS