Effect of Family-Centered Care Interventions on Motor and Neurobehavior Development of Very Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abstract

Aim: To assess the effectiveness of family-centered care (FCC) interventions on motor and neurobehavior development of very preterm infants.

Method: Randomized and quasi-randomized trials assessing the effect of FCC on motor and neurobehavioral outcomes in very preterm infants (28-32 wk gestation) were included. Five electronic databases and grey literature were searched from January 2010 to August 2022. Two reviewers independently screened the titles/abstracts and full texts, assessed the risk of bias, and extracted data. The Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 Tool and GRADE were used for risk and evidence certainty assessments. Meta-analysis or narrative synthesis was performed based on data availability and heterogeneity.

Results: Seventeen trials with 21 publications were included. GRADE showed low to moderate evidence. At 24 months, FCC interventions improved motor development (Mean Difference (MD):5.00, 95% CI: 2.58-7.42), cognitive development (MD: 3.64, 95% CI: 1.15-6.12), and behavior development (MD: -2.40, 95% CI: -4.32, -0.48) compared to control groups. Further, the FCC showed minimal or inconclusive effects on language, communication, and personal social development measured anytime between newborn and 24 months of age.

Conclusions: Early initiated FCC interventions can be a promising approach to improve motor, cognition, and behavioral development in very preterm infants.