PreEMPT (Preterm infant Early intervention for Movement and Participation Trial): Feasibility outcomes of a...

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Preterm infants require specialized early intervention to optimize developmental outcomes.
• Access to consistent physiotherapy can be limited for families in regional Australia.
• Novel approaches are needed to enhance participation and support for these infants and their families.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of the PreEMPT program: a novel, participation-focused, early physiotherapy intervention for preterm infants in regional Australia.
• To evaluate feasibility through demand, practicality, acceptability, and implementation.
• To conduct limited efficacy testing on infant motor skills, participation, and parental well-being and self-efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Recruited infants born <35 weeks gestation in regional Australia.
• Randomized 16 infants to either usual physiotherapy care (UPC) or the PreEMPT intervention (n=8 each).
• PreEMPT involved 14 weeks of clinic- or telehealth-based, participation-focused physiotherapy, with feasibility assessed via multiple metrics.

Main Results:

• Recruitment demand was lower than anticipated (45% rate).
• High attrition and reduced treatment dose received in the PreEMPT group, with maternal mental health cited as a key barrier.
• High parental acceptability, increased knowledge, and significantly improved parental self-efficacy in the PreEMPT group.

Conclusions:

• Early post-discharge physiotherapy for preterm infants in regional Australia is perceived as beneficial by families.
• The PreEMPT intervention, despite positive parental feedback on self-efficacy, presents significant logistical challenges in regional settings.
• Future interventions require strategies to address barriers like maternal mental health and improve program accessibility and adherence.