Neurodevelopmental Risk: A Tool to Enhance Conversations With Families of Infants

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Developmental Neuroscience
• Clinical Communication

Background:

• Parents of at-risk infants need clear information about neurodevelopmental impairment.
• Existing data indicate parents struggle to articulate their information needs.
• Effective communication is crucial for supporting families facing developmental challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot a Question Prompt List (QPL) for parents of infants at high risk for neurodevelopmental impairment.
• To assess the feasibility and utility of the QPL in real-time clinical settings.
• To gather preliminary data on parent and clinician experiences with the QPL.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving ten parents of infants at risk for neurodevelopmental impairment.
• Recording of family meetings to observe QPL use.
• Qualitative data collection through parent and clinician interviews.
• Directed content analysis of qualitative data.

Main Results:

• Clinicians acknowledged and frequently used the QPL to structure family meetings.
• All participating parents found the QPL useful and would recommend it.
• Parents reported the QPL provided new questions and led to more prepared team responses.

Conclusions:

• The Question Prompt List (QPL) shows promise as a tool to enhance communication for parents of infants at risk of neurodevelopmental impairment.
• The QPL facilitated more effective information exchange during family meetings.
• Further research is warranted to evaluate the QPL's impact on parent understanding and communication quality.