SMILE files - interactive, multimedia education program for parents of premature infants

Project Duration

Unknown

Funder

Unknown

Aims

To evaluate a computer-based, educational intervention to promote parent–infant interaction following discharge from neonatal intensive care.

Methods

The "SMILES" programme highlighted features of positive parent–infant interaction using pictures, interactive questions and video clips. It also aimed to address barriers to interaction identified in previous research, such as maternal uncertainty and low expectations of premature infants. Programme development was guided by social-learning theory and SMILES was evaluated in two phases. 

In phase 1, SMILES CD-ROMS were sent to 10 mothers who had previously participated in a study exploring their experiences of early interactions with premature infants. Semi-structured, telephone interviews were conducted to assess participants' feelings about the programme. 

Phase 2 was a controlled, crossover study in two neonatal intensive care units. Mothers in the intervention unit were given SMILES at discharge. Mothers in the control unit received standard discharge information. All participants completed the interacting with my premature infant questionnaire (IPIQ), which comprised subscales assessing maternal confidence and perceived infant barriers to interaction.

Outcomes and Findings

See publications.