Fathers and Partners in Family Integrated Care Study

Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot listed
Trial typeObservational
Biological sexAll
AgeNot listed
SponsorHomerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

About this trial

AIMS: The primary aim is to investigate the impact of enhancing father/partner engagement in FICare of preterm infants on their mental health (MH) up to 6 weeks post discharge. Secondary aims are to investigate the impact on maternal MH.

METHOD and ANALYSIS: This is a two-phase study: Phase-1 to gather baseline information and Phase-2 to assess the impact of improved father/partner engagement in FICare involving two NUs (a tertiary and level 2). 20 families of infants born at \<33 weeks will be studied in each phase (40 fathers, 40 mothers, 40 babies).

Father/partner MH will be assessed using validated questionnaires: Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Parental Stressor Scale: NICU (PSS:NICU), and by semi-structured qualitative interviews. Similarly, mothers will be assessed by the same questionnaires and focus groups.

The Neonatal DadPad materials will be updated using information from phase 1 study, systematic review of Fathers experiences of FICare and advice from parent advisory group. Father's engagement in FICare will be enhanced using Neonatal DadPad information booklet and app, father-specific peer support and bitesize teaching on caring for NU babies (Phase 2).

Thematic analysis of the qualitative data will be performed. Phase 1 and Phase 2 study findings will be compared by performing appropriate statistical analysis.

Eligibility criteria

Qualifiers

Parents of 22+0 to 32+6 weeks preterm infants.

Infant from day one to 7 days of age.

Infant should have two primary caregivers. Father's/Partner's participation in the study is a must and participation from both parents is ideal.

The parents should have conversational English.

Disqualifiers

Infant with life-limiting condition or no realistic chance of survival.

Infant is likely to be transferred to non-participating centre within 4 weeks of age.

Parents under the age of 16 years.

Trial design

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Not listed

Trial groups

No trial groups listed