A program to support the mental health of parents transitioning from the NICU to home.

The Development of PATH, a Program to Support NICU Parent Mental Health Through the Transition from Hospital to Home

NIH-funded research University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11060075

This study is testing a new program called PATH to help parents feel better mentally after their babies leave the NICU, making sure they get the support and resources they need during this important time.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11060075 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a program called PATH, aimed at supporting the mental health of parents whose infants are discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). It involves training and mentorship for the principal investigator to enhance their skills in implementation science and randomized control trials. The program seeks to address the high risk of mental health issues faced by these parents, providing them with necessary resources and support during a critical transition period. The research will utilize qualitative methods and engage with parents to ensure the program meets their needs effectively.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are parents of preterm infants who have been hospitalized in the NICU.

Not a fit: Parents of infants who were not hospitalized in the NICU or those whose children are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the mental health outcomes for parents of NICU infants, leading to better family dynamics and overall well-being.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in similar interventions aimed at supporting parental mental health in high-stress situations, indicating a promising approach.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.