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Preterm EEG: A Multimodal Neurophysiological Protocol
Published on: February 18, 2012
Protocol for development and validation of an Early Intervention device and its influence using STructured Early
Indira D B Naidu Boddapati1, Sivakumar Gopalakrishnan2,3, Sonia Khurana4
1Department of Physiotherapy, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India.
Insights
This study developed a home-based Early Intervention (EI) device to improve physiotherapy continuity for moderate to late preterm (MLP) infants. The Preemie STEP intervention, using this device, showed promise in supporting MLP infants post-discharge.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Physiotherapy continuity for moderate to late preterm (MLP) infants is challenging post-hospital discharge.
- Existing early intervention (EI) programs often lack integrated home-based components.
- There is a need for user-centered tools to support home physiotherapy for MLP infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an Early Intervention (EI) device for home-based physiotherapy in MLP infants.
- To evaluate the usability and validity of the developed EI device.
- To determine the influence of the Structured Early Physiotherapy (Preemie STEP) intervention incorporating the EI device on MLP infants.
Main Methods:
- Phase I: Qualitative interviews with healthcare professionals and parents for user needs assessment.
- Human-centered design and iterative development of the EI device.
- Phase II: Usability and validity testing of the EI device on 10 MLP infants.
- Pilot Randomized Control Trial (RCT) with 24 MLP infants using the Preemie STEP intervention and EI device.
- Intervention included Movement Imitation Therapy (MIT) in NICU and home program via EI device up to 6 months post-discharge.
Main Results:
- Qualitative data informed the human-centered design of the EI device.
- Usability and validity of the EI device were assessed in a small cohort.
- A pilot RCT will provide preliminary data on the clinical effectiveness of the Preemie STEP intervention with the EI device.
Conclusions:
- The developed EI device addresses user needs for home-based physiotherapy in MLP infants.
- The Preemie STEP intervention, facilitated by the EI device, offers a potential solution for continuity of care.
- Further research is warranted to confirm the clinical effectiveness and long-term benefits.
Abstract:
Early physiotherapy interventions for Moderate to Late Preterm (MLP) infants often lack continuity of care from hospital to home settings. This research aims to develop an Early Intervention (EI) device for home program and determine its influence using STructured Early Physiotherapy (Preemie STEP) intervention in MLP infants. For phase I, qualitative interviews will be conducted with healthcare professionals and parents, to understand user needs on developed prototype. Based on identified needs, an EI device will be developed using a human-centered design approach and iterative design process. In phase II, usability and validity of EI device will be evaluated on 10 infants to assess its appropriateness and ease. Further, a pilot Randomized Control Trial (RCT) will be conducted on 24 MLP infants using Preemie STEP intervention in which EI device will be incorporated as a tool to facilitate home program. Treatment includes from Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) which constitutes Movement Imitation Therapy (MIT) and followed by a home program using the developed EI device from post-hospital discharge to 6 months follow-up. Data collected will be analyzed using thematic for qualitative interviews and descriptive for usability and feasibility outcomes. Clinical effectiveness will be analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA or Friedman's test.
