Improving language exposure for infants in neonatal intensive care units
Small Things First: Leveraging Implementation Science to Increase Access to Infant Directed Speech for ALL Infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units
This study is all about helping babies in the NICU by encouraging parents and doctors to talk to them more in a special way that supports their language development, making it easier for these little ones to grow and learn.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry Ford Health System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11109442 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the language environment for infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) by increasing the use of infant directed speech (IDS) from both parents and clinicians. The study aims to implement strategies that encourage caregivers to engage in more frequent and effective communication with NICU infants, which is crucial for their language development. By addressing barriers to parent visitation and clinician engagement, the project seeks to create a supportive environment that fosters better language outcomes for these vulnerable infants. The approach involves training and encouraging both parents and healthcare providers to use IDS, which has been shown to positively impact language acquisition.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants currently admitted to neonatal intensive care units who are at risk of language deprivation.
Not a fit: Patients who are not in NICUs or those who are not infants may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve language development outcomes for infants in NICUs.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that increasing infant directed speech can lead to better language outcomes, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Detroit, United States
- Henry Ford Health System — Detroit, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maye, Melissa — Henry Ford Health System
- Study coordinator: Maye, Melissa
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.