Enhancing father and partner engagement in caring for preterm infants
TARGET Study: faThers And paRtners in Family inteGrated carE sTudy- A Prospective Multicentre Multiphase Study Investigating Father/Partner Involvement in Family Integrated Care in Neonatal Units
Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust · NCT06022991
This study looks at how getting fathers and partners more involved in caring for preterm babies can help improve their mental health and the mental health of mothers during the first six weeks after the babies come home.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (other) |
| Locations | 2 sites (London and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06022991 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to explore how increasing the involvement of fathers and partners in family-integrated care (FICare) affects their mental health and the mental health of mothers during the first six weeks after the discharge of preterm infants. The study will gather baseline data on fathers' experiences and mental health while their infants are in the neonatal unit and assess the impact of improved engagement through validated questionnaires and qualitative interviews. It will involve 20 families with infants born at less than 33 weeks gestation across two neonatal units in London.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are parents of preterm infants born between 22 and 32 weeks gestation who are willing to participate actively in their care.
Not a fit: Parents of infants with life-limiting conditions or those who are unlikely to survive will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the mental health and well-being of both fathers and mothers, leading to better family dynamics and support for preterm infants.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is relatively novel, previous studies have indicated that enhancing parental involvement in neonatal care can positively impact family well-being.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Parents of preterm infants will be recruited to the study. Inclusion criteria: 1. Parents of 22+0 to 32+6 weeks preterm infants. 2. Infant from day one to 7 days of age. 3. Infant should have two primary caregivers. Father's/Partner's participation in the study is a must and participation from both parents is ideal. 4. The parents should have conversational English. Exclusion criteria: 1. Infant with life-limiting condition or no realistic chance of survival. 2. Infant is likely to be transferred to non-participating centre within 4 weeks of age. 3. Parents under the age of 16 years.
Where this trial is running
London and 1 other locations
- Neonatal Unit, Whipps Cross University Hospital — London, United Kingdom (RECRUITING)
- Neonatal Unit, Homerton University Hospital — London, United Kingdom (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Rupa Rubinstein, MRCPCH
- Email: rupa.rubinstein@nhs.net
- Phone: 02085105555
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Mental Health Wellness 1, Premature Birth, Father/partner wellbeing, Maternal wellbeing, Paternal infant engagement, NICU, Family integrated care