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Updated: Jan 31, 2026

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Published on: January 7, 2020
Effects of Instruction on Parent Competency During Infant Handling in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Eilish M Byrne1, Jane K Sweeney, Nancy Schwartz
1Department of Rehabilitation Services (Dr Byrne), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California; Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (Dr Sweeney), Provo, Utah; Roosevelt School District (Dr Schwartz), Phoenix, Arizona; University of the Pacific (Dr Umphred), Stockton, California; Stanford Children's Health (Dr Constantinou), Palo Alto, California.
Purpose:
The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of 3 different methods for delivering instruction on infant handling to parents in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Methods:
Ninety-six parents in the NICU received instruction. Parents were taught the same 3 infant-handling techniques after random assignment to the (1) direct, (2) video, or (3) written-pictorial instructional groups. After baseline competency assessment, parents received instruction according to their group. A masked evaluator assessed parent performance, and parents rated instructional effectiveness.
Results:
All groups significantly improved handling performance. The direct and video groups performed 2 handling activities significantly better than the written-pictorial group. No significant differences were found between the direct and video groups. All groups perceived the instruction as effective.
Conclusions:
Direct and video instructions are equally effective in teaching parents to perform simple whole motor tasks in the NICU, and parents welcome the instruction.
Related Concept Videos
Parental Care
Parenting Styles
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative...
Measurement: Derived Units
Measurement: Standard Units
Relationship with Parents: Attachment
Sample Handling
Samples should be transported carefully from collection points to the laboratory. They should be properly sealed and clearly labeled to prevent cross-contamination. To preserve the sample integrity, optimal temperature conditions during transport are essential. This could involve using...

