Optimizing discharge outcomes in very preterm infants by a novel integrated family and rehabilitation care model—a retrospective case-matched study - Report - MDSpire

Optimizing discharge outcomes in very preterm infants by a novel integrated family and rehabilitation care model—a retrospective case-matched study

  • By

  • Ren Zhuxiao

  • Ren Jianbing

  • Yi Aiwen

  • Mo Shisheng

  • Wang Zhu

  • Yang Shumei

  • Yin Shiyao

  • Nie Chuan

  • June 24, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Enhancing Discharge Results for Very Preterm Infants

Overview

The study evaluates an innovative integrated family-centered care (NIFCC) model for very preterm infants, demonstrating significant improvements in oxygen weaning, oral feeding, and neurobehavioral outcomes compared to traditional family-centered care.

Background

Very preterm infants face high risks of respiratory insufficiency and neurodevelopmental delays. Traditional family-centered care models often lack sufficient parental involvement and rehabilitation integration.

Data Highlights

OutcomeNIFCC GroupTraditional FCC GroupP-value
Oxygen Independence92.5%73.6%0.018
Oxygen Therapy Duration (days)18250.019
Full Oral Feeding Rate100%86.8%0.013
NBO Scores51490.036

Key Findings

  • The NIFCC model resulted in significantly higher oxygen independence (92.5% vs. 73.6%, P = 0.018).
  • Infants in the NIFCC group required shorter durations of oxygen therapy (18 days vs. 25 days, P = 0.019).
  • Full oral feeding was established in 100% of the NIFCC group compared to 86.8% in the traditional FCC group (P = 0.013).
  • NBO scores were higher in the NIFCC group (51 vs. 49, P = 0.036).
  • No significant differences were observed in preterm complications, hospital stay, or costs between the two groups.
  • No adverse events occurred during the study.

Clinical Implications

The NIFCC model demonstrates a safe and effective approach to improving critical discharge outcomes for very preterm infants.

Conclusion

The NIFCC model addresses limitations of traditional care approaches.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Pediatric Cardiology, Improved Neonatal Outcomes in Prenatally Diagnosed Congenital Heart Disease Through a Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Strategy, 2025
  2. Frontiers in Pediatrics, Educational materials to empower parents of preterm infants within a family-centered early intervention in the NICU, 2026
  3. Frontiers in Pediatrics, Association of individual and bundled evidence-based practices with adverse outcomes in very preterm infants: a multicenter retrospective study, 2026
  4. WHO, Kangaroo mother care: a clinical practice guide, 2025
  5. PubMed, Effectiveness of Family Integrated Care for Preterm Infants and Their Parents in Neonatal Intensive Care Units: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials, 2024
  6. Pediatric Cardiology — Assessment of Early Development and the Influence of Socioeconomic Factors on Neurodevelopment in Infants Diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot
  7. Kangaroo mother care: a clinical practice guide
  8. Effectiveness of Family Integrated Care for Preterm Infants and Their Parents in Neonatal Intensive Care Units: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials - PubMed
  9. RSV Immunization Guidance for Infants and Young Children | RSV | CDC

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