Educational materials to empower parents of preterm infants within a family-centered early intervention in the NICU - Summary - MDSpire

Educational materials to empower parents of preterm infants within a family-centered early intervention in the NICU

  • By

  • Chiara Bonfanti

  • Camilla Fontana

  • Sara Meloni

  • Fabio Mosca

  • Monica Fumagalli

  • June 9, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To design and introduce tailored educational materials for parents of preterm infants to support a structured early intervention program during NICU stay, focusing on enhancing parental engagement and understanding.

Key Findings:
  • Seven bilingual leaflets were created addressing infant behavioral cues, co-regulation, positive multisensory experiences, and transition at home, with parents reporting strong emotional resonance related to their NICU experiences.
  • Materials were shared with 104 families, with parents reporting strong emotional resonance and perceived value.
  • Professionals noted improved coherence in early intervention delivery and enhanced collaboration with NICU staff.
Interpretation:

Educational materials can enhance parental engagement in early intervention programs in the NICU, fostering a nurturing environment.

Limitations:
  • The effectiveness of the educational resources has not yet been validated, which may limit their perceived utility.
  • Impact on parent-infant outcomes remains to be assessed, raising questions about the long-term benefits of the materials.
Conclusion:

Tailored educational resources may support parents in the NICU, but further research is needed to evaluate their effectiveness.

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