The Effect of Group-Based Early Parent Education on Development in Preterm Infants

Joon Hee Lee1, Nam Hyun Lee2, In Jin Yoon2

  • 1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Asan Medical Center, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea.

PubMed

Insights

Group-based early parent education significantly improved development in preterm infants. This intervention was particularly beneficial for infants born before 28 weeks gestational age and those with minimal brain injury.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal development
  • Pediatric physical therapy
  • Early intervention programs

Background:

  • Preterm infants often experience developmental delays.
  • Early intervention is crucial for improving outcomes in high-risk infants.
  • Parent education programs can support infant development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of group-based early parent education on preterm infant development.
  • To assess developmental trajectories in preterm infants receiving specialized education.
  • To identify specific subgroups of preterm infants who benefit most from parent education.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study with a historical control group.
  • Inclusion of preterm infants (n=246) aged 0-3 months corrected age (CA).
  • Intervention group received 8 education sessions (PT/OT) between 0-6 months CA; assessments at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 months CA.

Main Results:

  • The education group, initially showing greater delay, achieved no significant delay post-intervention.
  • Significant developmental improvements were observed in infants born before 28 weeks gestational age.
  • Infants with no or mild brain injury demonstrated the most prominent developmental gains.

Conclusions:

  • Group-based early parent education enhances 24-month corrected age development in preterm infants.
  • The intervention shows particular efficacy for extremely preterm infants and those with less severe brain injury.
  • This educational approach offers a promising strategy for optimizing developmental outcomes in vulnerable preterm populations.
Abstract

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