Assessing outcomes of family-centered care for preterm infants and their parents

Multidimensional Assessment of Infant, Parent and Staff Outcomes During a Family Centered Care Enhancement Project in a Tertiary Neonatal Intensive Care

Observational University of Giessen · NCT05286983

This study is testing if improved family-centered care in the NICU helps preterm babies and their parents feel better and do better as they grow.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment495 (estimated)
Ages1 Minute to 14 Days
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Giessen Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Ulm, Baden-Wurttemberg and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05286983 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on preterm infants born at or before 32 weeks of gestation or weighing 1500 grams or less, along with their parents. It aims to evaluate the impact of enhanced Family Centered Care (FCC) practices in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) over a 5.5-year period. The study will introduce additional FCC elements, including staff training, parental education, and psychosocial support, and will track outcomes for infants, parents, and staff through periodic follow-ups until the infants reach 24 months of corrected age. The goal is to understand how these practices affect the well-being of all parties involved.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are preterm infants born at or before 32 weeks of gestation or with a birth weight of 1500 grams or less, along with their parents.

Not a fit: Patients with severe congenital anomalies or those whose parents have severe psychiatric diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the health outcomes and emotional well-being of preterm infants and their families.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with family-centered care approaches, indicating potential for success in this study as well.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ≤32+0 weeks of gestational age (GA) and/or birthweight ≤1500g
* biparental (or guardian) written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* severe congenital anomalies (e.g. cyanotic heart disease, severe lung hypoplasia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia)
* decision not to provide full life support
* decision for palliative care before study entry
* parents with severe psychiatric disease

Where this trial is running

Ulm, Baden-Wurttemberg and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Family Centered Care
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.