Intervention for Neurodevelopmental Support in Preterm Infants Using Responsive Parenting and E-health

Research problem and specific questions More than 1000 very preterm infants (\< 32 weeks) are born every year in Sweden. They are at high risk of neurodevelopmental disabilities and mental illness throughout the lifespan. The overall purpose is to develop and evaluate a novel e-health intervention aimed at improving neurodevelopment (cognitive, motor, feeding, language, socio-emotional) of very preterm infants by supporting responsive parenting behaviours. The primary research question is whether the intervention improves child neurodevelopment up to 2 years. Further research questions relate to the emotional availability of parents and children, parental stress and overall experience as well as effects on health inequalities and gender effects. Data and method Using a multi-professional approach, the study team have developed a post-discharge "Intervention for Neurodevelopmental Support in Preterm Infants using Responsive parenting and E-health" (INSPIRE). Parents of very preterm infants will be included in the program at hospital discharge and will receive the intervention in 18 sessions over a two year period. The study team have assessed feasibility and refined the intervention in a pilot study including 9 families. This autumn, a randomized clinical trial will be performed to evaluate efficiency: Families will be randomized to the INSPIRE program or standard care. Follow-up and assessment of children (and parents) across a range of crucial domains will be performed up to at least 2 years of age. Societal relevance and utilisation The project will be the first in the world to use a digital e-health solution with video interaction to deliver a post discharge parental support intervention to parents of very preterm infants. The project has great potential to reduce the risk of cognitive impairment, behavioral problems, mental illness and eating disorders in these high risk children, as well as improving mental health and well-being in the parents.