Implementing Outpatient Therapeutic Playgroups for NICU Families: A Quality Improvement Project

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Quality Improvement
• Implementation Science
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Therapeutic playgroups show potential for caregiver-infant mental health.
• Limited tailored interventions exist for families post-neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission.
• Need for adapted interventions to support vulnerable dyads.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate strategies and challenges of implementing an adapted therapeutic playgroup for NICU-history families.
• Assess feasibility, barriers, and facilitators using implementation science frameworks.
• Inform program development for post-NICU dyadic mental health support.

Main Methods:

• Conducted semi-structured interviews with NICU psychologists.
• Utilized Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and Proctor et al.'s framework.
• Employed qualitative reporting guidelines for transparency.

Main Results:

• Psychologists highlighted embedding playgroups in clinical workflows, flexible delivery, and customized curricula.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration improved feasibility and parent engagement.
• Organizational constraints and caregiver readiness were identified barriers.

Conclusions:

• Findings guide local program development for integrated dyadic mental health in post-NICU care.
• Emphasizes adapting interventions for cultural and family-specific needs.
• Recommends incorporating caregiver perspectives and exploring diverse settings for future research.