eHealth interventions for parents in neonatal intensive care units: a systematic review protocol

Area of Science:

• Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) research
• Digital health interventions
• Parent and infant outcomes

Background:

• Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) provide critical care for vulnerable infants.
• The integration of technology in healthcare is rapidly evolving.
• Parental involvement is crucial for infant well-being in the NICU.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the effects of electronic health (eHealth) interventions in the NICU.
• To evaluate the impact of these interventions on parent-related outcomes.
• To assess the influence of eHealth interventions on infant outcomes within the NICU.

Main Methods:

• Literature search for studies on eHealth interventions in NICUs.
• Inclusion criteria focused on parent and infant outcomes.
• Data synthesis and analysis of relevant research.

Main Results:

• Summarize findings on how eHealth interventions affect parental stress, anxiety, and satisfaction.
• Detail the impact of eHealth on infant health indicators, such as growth and development.
• Identify specific types of eHealth interventions that show promise.

Conclusions:

• eHealth interventions show potential for improving outcomes in the NICU.
• Further research is needed to optimize eHealth strategies for parents and infants.
• The findings can inform the development and implementation of digital health solutions in neonatal care.