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BMC Pediatrics

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01-12-2021 | Care | Research article

Effectiveness of the Close Collaboration with Parents intervention on parent-infant closeness in NICU

Authors: Felix B. He, Anna Axelin, Sari Ahlqvist-Björkroth, Simo Raiskila, Eliisa Löyttyniemi, Liisa Lehtonen

Published in: BMC Pediatrics | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Parent-infant closeness during hospital care of newborns has many benefits for both infants and parents. We developed an educational intervention for neonatal staff, Close Collaboration with Parents, to increase parent-infant closeness during hospital care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention on parent-infant closeness in nine hospitals in Finland.

Methods

Parents of hospitalized infants were recruited in the hospitals during 3-month periods before and after the Close Collaboration with Parents intervention. The data were collected using daily Closeness diaries. Mothers and fathers separately filled in the time they spent in the hospital and the time of skin-to-skin contact with their infant during each hospital care day until discharge. Statistical analyses were done using a linear model with covariates.

Results

Diaries were kept before and after the intervention by a total of 170 and 129 mothers and 126 and 84 fathers, respectively. Either parent was present on average 453 min per day before the intervention and 620 min after the intervention in the neonatal unit. In the adjusted model, the increase was 99 min per day (p = 0.0007). The infants were in skin-to-skin contact on average 76 min per day before the intervention and 114 min after the intervention. In the adjusted model, skin-to-skin contact increased by 24 min per day (p = 0.0405).

Conclusion

The Close Collaboration with Parents intervention increased parents’ presence and skin-to-skin contact in nine hospitals. This study suggests that parent-infant closeness may be one mediating factor explaining benefits of parenting interventions.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT04635150. Retrospectively registered.

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Title: Effectiveness of the Close Collaboration with Parents intervention on parent-infant closeness in NICU
Authors: Felix B. He
Anna Axelin
Sari Ahlqvist-Björkroth
Simo Raiskila
Eliisa Löyttyniemi
Liisa Lehtonen
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Care
Published in: BMC Pediatrics / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2431
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-020-02474-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Effectiveness of the Close Collaboration with Parents intervention on parent-infant closeness in NICU

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Trial registration

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