The Effect of a Nurse-led Continuous Support Program on Neurodevelopment of Preterm Infants

The Effect of Nurse-led Continuous Support Program on Neurodevelopment of Preterm Infants and Psychological Well-being of the Parents: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The objective of the study is to establish a continuous nurse-led integrated support program and to exam its impact on preterm infant neurodevelopment.

Research hypotheses include:1. The continuous nurse-led integrated support will have significant impact on preterm infant neurodevelopment; 2.The support program will also have positive effect on parent psychological well-being.

The objective of the study is to establish the continuous nurse-led integrated support program as well as exam its impact on neurodevelopmental health of preterm infants.

Research hypotheses:

1. Compared to control group, the preterm infants in the interventional group will experience significantly better performance on neuromotor, cognitive and social-emotional function at corrected age of 3 month;
2. In comparison with those receiving routine support, parents receiving nurse-led continuous support will have significantly higher parental self-efficacy and exhibited better psychological well-being;
3. Maternal parenting self-efficacy will mediate the relationship between nurse-led support and preterm infant neurodevelopment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Preterm infants born between 28-36 weeks of gestation;
• Parents residing in the same region for at least 5 years; .Parents agree to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• infants with severe perinatal brain injury;
• infant with congenital anomalies