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Published on: January 7, 2020
"NE@R": a new resource to promote preterm infants' development through parents-delivered guided play
Sonia Trussardi1, Cecilia Naboni2, Camilla Caporali1,2
1Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.
Insights
A new digital tool, "NE@R", supports preterm infants' neurodevelopment through parent-led play. The platform is a feasible and accessible resource, empowering parents and enhancing child development.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Pediatric neuroprotection
- Digital health interventions
Background:
- High prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders necessitates novel prevention strategies, especially for preterm infants.
- The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital healthcare adoption, highlighting its potential.
- Early, ecological interventions are crucial for optimal neurodevelopment in infants, particularly during the first 1,000 days of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a digital tool for parent-led, parent-based intervention for preterm infants.
- To assess the feasibility and accessibility of this digital tool.
Main Methods:
- A non-systematic literature review informed the development of early intervention strategies for preterm infants.
- An ad-hoc questionnaire was created to evaluate the tool's feasibility and acceptability.
- The digital platform was implemented in a clinical setting, with feedback collected from 100 preterm infant families.
Main Results:
- The digital platform, "NE@R", provides evidence-based information, videos, and activities for motor, cognitive, social, and language development.
- Parent feedback indicated the resource was beneficial, increasing their confidence in supporting their child's development.
- The majority of parents found the tool helpful for their child's developmental progress.
Conclusions:
- "NE@R" is an effective, low-cost tool for supporting families of preterm infants.
- The platform aligns with family-centered care principles for infants at risk.
- Digital parent-based interventions show promise for enhancing neurodevelopmental outcomes in vulnerable populations.
Introduction:
The huge prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders underscores the necessity for novel, comprehensive prevention strategies for neuroprotective intervention, particularly in preterm infants. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the transformation of healthcare services, emphasizing the use of digital resources. Given the rapid brain development in infants in the first 1,000 days of life and the demonstrated impact of adaptive neuroplasticity, the implementation of early and ecological interventions are essential for supporting optimal neurodevelopment in this vulnerable population. Aim of this project is to develop a digital tool for parent-led parent-based intervention and assess its feasibility and accessibility.
Materials And Methods:
We collected evidence on early intervention strategies for preterm infants through a non-systematic review of current literature to develop the platform and created an ad-hoc questionnaire to evaluate the tool's feasibility and acceptability in our neurological follow-up.
Results:
"NE@R" is a digital platform designed to support neurodevelopment through parents-delivered play. The platform offers evidence-based information, videos, and practical activities to enhance motor, cognitive, social, and language development at each developmental phase. We introduce the resource in our clinical setting and collect 100 preterm infants' families feedback. The majority of parents reported finding the resource beneficial, with many expressing increased confidence in supporting their child's development.
Discussion:
Preterm babies families' support represents a precious field of intervention both for parents and infants at risk. "NE@R" has proven to be an effective, low-cost tool within our follow-up program, aligning with the principles of family-centered care.
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