Improving Outcomes for Premature Infants and Their Parents Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in the NICU

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate if cognitive behavioral therapy CBT sessions can improve outcomes for parents and their premature infants who have spent time in the neonatal intensive care unit NICU. The study focuses on parents feelings of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD, which can affect how they perceive and care for their infants, potentially leading to Vulnerable Child Syndrome VCS or Parent Perceived Child Vulnerability PPCV. This trial investigates whether CBT can help parents better understand their childs health and boost their confidence in parenting, ultimately improving long-term outcomes for both. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups a control group receiving standard NICU care and follow-up information, and an intervention group receiving the same standard care plus five CBT sessions. These sessions are split between the NICU and outpatient clinic visits after discharge, with three sessions before discharge and two after. The CBT sessions, designed to address PPCV, VCS, and parenting skills, will be delivered either in person or virtually using a standardized manual developed with expert input. During the study, parents will complete assessments using scales such as the Vulnerable Baby Scale at enrollment and after completing CBT sessions to measure changes in perceptions and mental health. Researchers will also track infant outcomes like length of stay in the NICU, medical visits post-discharge, and developmental milestones with the Capute Scales at six months. The study will continue follow-up until the infants reach six to nine months of post-birth age, monitoring the lasting effects of CBT on parents and children.

Preventing Vulnerable Child Syndrome in the NICU With Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (PreVNT Trial)