Family nurture intervention (FNI): methods and treatment protocol of a randomized controlled trial in the NICU.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The stress that results from preterm birth, requisite acute care and prolonged physical separation in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) can have adverse physiological/psychological effects on both the infant and the mother. In particular, the experience compromises the establishment and maintenance of optimal mother-infant relationship, the subsequent development of the infant, and the mother's emotional well-being. These findings highlight the importance of investigating early interventions that are designed to overcome or reduce the effects of these environmental insults and challenges.

Methods

This study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with blinded assessment comparing Standard Care (SC) with a novel Family Nurture Intervention (FNI). FNI targets p

SUBMITTER: Welch MG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3394087 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature