Understanding barriers to family engagement in neonatal intensive care units
Official title: Inequities in family engagement in the neonatal intensive care unit
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11093465 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the difficulties that low-income families face when trying to connect with their premature babies in the NICU, like issues with transportation and language, to find ways to help them be more involved and improve their babies' health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $80,224 |
| NIH project number | 5F32HD111260-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11093465 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include families with preterm infants in NICUs, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds facing socioeconomic challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have preterm infants or those who are not facing barriers to engagement in NICU care may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the challenges faced by marginalized families in engaging with their preterm infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). It aims to identify structural barriers such as lack of access to paid family leave, childcare, and transportation, as well as language barriers that may hinder family involvement. Through interviews with low-income families and a multicenter survey, the study seeks to gather qualitative and quantitative data on these barriers and their impact on infant health outcomes. The findings will help develop strategies to improve family engagement and reduce disparities in NICU care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved support systems for families, enhancing their engagement in NICU care and ultimately improving health outcomes for preterm infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has highlighted the importance of family engagement in NICU settings, but this specific focus on structural barriers among marginalized families is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Quinn, Mary — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Quinn, Mary
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Phthalate Exposure and How It Affects Newborns in the NICU
This grant looks at how chemicals called phthalates in the NICU environment may affect the health and development of newborns, especially those born prematurely.
-
Improving care for opioid use disorder in the ICU
This project helps hospital staff in intensive care units provide better care for patients with opioid use disorder.
-
Juggling Work and Family for Parents of Very Preterm Babies
A study to understand how work and family demands affect parents of very preterm infants and how this shapes their ability to support their baby’s development.
-
Implementing SDOH screening and referrals in the NICU to support fragile newborns
A NICU-based program to screen newborns and families for social needs and connect them to services that can improve health and development.
-
Attenuating Depression with Internet CBT to Slow Cognitive Decline in Older ICU Survivors
A new online cognitive behavioral therapy program is being tested to help older ICU survivors who are experiencing depressive symptoms and may be at risk for cognitive decline.
-
Multisensory care to boost development in preterm babies in the NICU
A program called SENSE uses gentle touch, sounds, and parent bonding in the NICU to support brain development for very preterm infants and help families stay involved.
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.