[Using the FOCUS Family Intervention for Family-Centered Care in a Premature Infant With Grade IV Intraventricular...

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Intensive Care
• Developmental Pediatrics
• Family-Centered Care

Background:

• Preterm infants, especially those with extremely low birth weight and severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), face high mortality and developmental risks.
• Families of critically ill preterm infants experience significant emotional, physical, and financial burdens, leading to stress, sleep disorders, and strained relationships.
• Discrepancies in perception of disease severity and treatment goals between families and healthcare professionals can exacerbate parental distress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation and outcomes of a family-centered intervention (FOCUS family intervention) for an extremely-low-birth-weight infant with grade 4 IVH and poor neurological prognosis.
• To evaluate the intervention's impact on the infant's physical and neurological development and the family's psychosocial well-being.
• To provide insights into improving critical care delivery for high-risk preterm infants and their families.

Main Methods:

• A case study approach was used, focusing on an infant with a 908 gm birth weight, grade 4 IVH, and subsequent brain atrophy.
• The FOCUS family intervention was implemented to enhance family involvement, promote positive coping, and reduce uncertainty and negative emotions.
• Symptom-relief management was provided to the infant for abnormal muscle tone and developmental delays.

Main Results:

• The intervention successfully ameliorated parental negative emotions, insomnia, and relationship difficulties, significantly improving caregiver quality of life.
• The infant demonstrated enhanced autoregulatory ability and improved physical and neurological development.
• The family-centered approach helped navigate the medical dilemma between aggressive treatment and withdrawal of care.

Conclusions:

• Family-centered care, exemplified by the FOCUS family intervention, is effective in mitigating the adverse effects of critical illness in preterm infants on families.
• This approach improves infant outcomes, including autoregulation and development, while enhancing the well-being and coping mechanisms of parents.
• Implementing such interventions in neonatal intensive care settings can lead to better healthcare delivery and improved life quality for vulnerable families.