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Hybrid developmental follow-up for preterm infants in Brazil: A feasibility study

Isabella Saraiva Christovão1, Lara de Almeida Rodrigues1, Ana Carolina Cabral de Paula Machado2

  • 1Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Physical Education, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Early Human Development
|June 26, 2024
PubMed

Insights

A hybrid developmental follow-up program for preterm infants in Brazil showed high family participation and low dropout rates. This approach effectively identified infants needing early intervention services for developmental delays.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric developmental neurology
  • Early childhood development research
  • Public health interventions in Brazil

Background:

  • Low family engagement in developmental follow-up programs for at-risk preterm infants poses a significant challenge in Brazil.
  • Effective early detection and intervention are crucial for optimizing developmental outcomes in preterm infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the feasibility of implementing a hybrid (telehealth and in-person) developmental follow-up program for preterm infants in Brazil.
  • To assess participation rates, adherence, and the identification of developmental delays within this novel program format.

Main Methods:

  • An observational, prospective cohort study involving preterm infants.
  • Feasibility assessed through developmental test results, program participation frequency, and early intervention referrals.
  • Utilized telehealth for General Movements (GMs) assessment, Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS), and Survey of Wellbeing of Young Children (SWYC) Milestones; Bayley-III administered in-person.

Main Results:

  • Out of 34 preterm infants followed to 12 months corrected age, 18 (52.9%) completed all assessments.
  • High attendance rates were observed: 76.5% for telehealth and 76.5% for in-person assessments.
  • 18 infants (52.9%) exhibited at least one abnormal developmental test result, leading to prompt referrals for early intervention.

Conclusions:

  • A hybrid format demonstrates high feasibility, characterized by strong participation and minimal dropout rates in Brazilian preterm infant follow-up.
  • The program effectively identifies infants with developmental delays, underscoring the critical need for timely detection and referral to early intervention services.
Abstract

Keywords:
BrazilChild developmentFollow-up studiesInfant, premature

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