Clinical Scorecard: Experiences of Intergenerational Caregivers Preparing for Preterm Infants’ Discharge from NICUs in China: A Qualitative Study
At a Glance
Category
Detail
Condition
Clinical topic addressed by the source article: Experiences of Intergenerational Caregivers Preparing for Preterm Infants’ Discharge from NICUs in China
Key Mechanisms
Reported discharge-preparation experiences included emotional distress and marginalisation, uncertainty about preterm-specific care, difficulty evaluating online information and refined care practices, generational differences, and a desire for continued professional support.
Target Population
Patients or participants described in the source article.
Care Setting
Care setting described in the source article.
Key Highlights
Grandparents described emotional deprivation and marginalisation from family involvement alongside happiness about bringing the infant home and concern about long-term health.
Caregivers reported that previous caregiving experience did not fully prepare them for preterm-specific care.
Participants described feeling overwhelmed by online care information and having difficulty judging refined care practices for preterm infants.
Grandparents wanted greater family support, community resources, and continued professional connections after discharge.
The authors recommend including intergenerational caregivers in discharge education and providing psychological support, caregiving skills education, and comprehensive home-care guidance.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Management
The authors recommend including intergenerational caregivers in discharge-preparation education.
The authors recommend psychological support, education in caregiving knowledge and skills, and more comprehensive home-care guidance.
Monitoring & Follow-up
Risks
Patient & Prescribing Data
The study interviewed 15 grandparent caregivers of preterm infants hospitalized in a NICU at a tertiary-level hospital in Jiangsu Province, China, from March to May 2025.
This qualitative study did not evaluate a treatment or medication. Participants described a need for family support, professional education, home-care guidance, and ongoing professional contact.
Clinical Best Practices
The authors recommend including intergenerational caregivers in discharge-preparation education.
The authors recommend psychological support, education in caregiving knowledge and skills, and comprehensive home-care guidance.
Study participants reported difficulty assessing online information and refined care practices, and a desire for family support, community resources, and continued professional connections after discharge.
