Development and nationwide implementation of a postdischarge responsive parenting intervention program for very...

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Previous trials indicated the effectiveness of a Dutch postdischarge responsive parenting program for very preterm (VPT) infants.
• Nationwide implementation was deemed justified based on prior evidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and nationwide implementation of the TOP program.
• To detail the three-phase process from preparation to full integration into routine care.

Main Methods:

• A 12-year implementation strategy involving preparation, pilot, and full-implementation phases.
• Securing funding, developing intervention strategies, increasing capacity, and incorporating systematic evaluations.

Main Results:

• The TOP program is now part of routine care in the Netherlands, reimbursed by all Dutch Healthcare Insurers.
• By 2018, interventionists increased to 91, with widespread hospital referrals, reaching 70% of the target population.
• Parental satisfaction with the TOP program is high.

Conclusions:

• The TOP program has been successfully scaled nationwide and integrated into standard care for very preterm infants.
• The long-term implementation demonstrates the program's sustainability and effectiveness in improving outcomes for VPT infants and their families.