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The NeuroSense PremmieEd Parenting Educational Intervention (PremmieSense)-A Neuroprotective Intervention for Preterm
Welma Lubbe1,2, Kirsten A Donald1, Jessica Botha2
1Division of Developmental Paediatrics, Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa.
Insights
The PremmieSense parenting intervention is feasible and acceptable for low-resource neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Adaptations were made to address challenges, showing promise for culturally appropriate care and improved parent-infant bonding.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Parenting interventions
- Global health
Background:
- Preterm birth impacts 10% of global births, often causing neurodevelopmental issues and affecting parent-infant bonding.
- Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) interventions need adaptation for low-resource settings like South Africa.
- The NeuroSense PremmieEd Parenting Educational Intervention (PremmieSense) was developed to enhance bonding and neuroprotective care in NICU settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the development and components of the PremmieSense intervention using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) framework.
- To document adaptations and implementation lessons for low-resource NICUs.
- To pilot the PremmieSense intervention in South African NICUs.
Main Methods:
- The PremmieSense program includes a picture-based booklet (English/Setswana) and facilitator-led sessions.
- Pilot study conducted in two public-sector NICUs in South Africa with 60 mothers.
- Parental knowledge (KPIB scale) and stress (PSS:NICU tool) were measured.
Main Results:
- PremmieSense demonstrated feasibility and acceptability in resource-constrained NICUs.
- Logistical challenges (early discharge, staff shortages, language) necessitated pragmatic adaptations.
- The intervention's modular and multilingual design allowed for flexible delivery.
Conclusions:
- PremmieSense shows potential as a culturally relevant and adaptable intervention for resource-limited NICUs.
- Future research should personalize content based on gestational age, parenting experience, and literacy.
- Further implementation and long-term outcome assessments are recommended.
Background:
Preterm birth affects about 10% of births globally, often resulting in neurodevelopmental delays and disrupted parent-infant bonding. In low-resource settings, such as South Africa, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) interventions require contextual adaptation. The NeuroSense PremmieEd Parenting Educational Intervention (PremmieSense) was developed to strengthen parent-infant bonding and promote neuroprotective care during NICU admission.
Objectives:
To describe the development, components, and pilot delivery of the PremmieSense intervention using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) framework and document contextual adaptations and implementation lessons in low-resource NICUs.
Approach:
This project report outlines PremmieSense according to TIDieR. The programme comprises a picture-based booklet in English and Setswana, supplemented by facilitator-led group sessions delivered by trained healthcare professionals. It was piloted at two public-sector NICUs in the North West province of South Africa (N = 60 mothers; 30 per site). Parent knowledge was measured using the Knowledge of Preterm Infant Behavior (KPIB) scale, and stress was measured using the Parental Stress Scale: NICU (PSS:NICU tool). Quantitative outcomes are reported separately in a companion paper.
Findings:
PremmieSense was feasible and acceptable in low-resource NICUs. Logistical challenges including early discharges, staff constraints and language needs required pragmatic adaptations. The modular, multilingual design supported flexible delivery. TIDieR reporting facilitates replication and contextual adaptation.
Conclusions And Recommendations:
PremmieSense shows promise as a culturally appropriate and adaptable intervention for resource-constrained NICUs. Future work should tailor content to gestational age, prior parenting experience, and literacy, expand implementation, and assess long-term outcomes.
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