Fathers and Partners in Family Integrated Care Study
This research wants to understand how helping fathers and partners get more involved in looking after their premature babies affects their mental health. They will also look at how this impacts the mothers' mental health. Premature babies are those born before 33 weeks of pregnancy. The study will happen in two parts. First, they'll gather information on fathers' experiences and feelings. Then, they'll introduce new tools, like an updated 'DadPad' app and peer support, to help fathers feel more involved. They'll then see if these new tools make a positive difference to parents' well-being up to six weeks after the baby goes home from the hospital. The goal is to find better ways to support the whole family during a challenging time.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When a baby is born prematurely (too early), it can be a very stressful time for the whole family. Hospitals often have what's called 'Family-integrated care' (FICare), which means parents are encouraged to be very involved in their baby's care in the neonatal unit (NU), sometimes called a special care baby unit.
This study, called 'Fathers and Partners in Family Integrated Care Study', wants to explore how making sure fathers and partners are really involved in this care affects their mental health, such as feelings of anxiety or depression. They also want to see if this increased involvement helps the mothers' mental health too. Being a father or partner of a premature baby can be difficult, with many demands on their time, like work and supporting the mother.
The researchers will do this in two stages. First, they'll collect information from families to understand how fathers are currently involved and how they're feeling. Then, they'll introduce new ways to boost father and partner involvement. This might include using an updated information booklet and app called 'Neonatal DadPad', offering support from other dads, and providing short training sessions on how to care for their baby in the special care unit. By comparing the information from before and after these new changes, the study hopes to learn how best to support fathers and partners, and in turn, the whole family, when a baby arrives too soon.
Key takeaways
- Study focuses on mental health of parents with premature babies.
- Aims to improve support for fathers/partners in neonatal units.
- Will look at how increased father/partner involvement affects mothers too.
- Involves questionnaires and interviews, no new medicines.
- Participation could help improve care for future families.
- You can withdraw from the study at any time.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for parents of babies born prematurely. Your baby must have been born between 22 and nearly 33 weeks of pregnancy. Your baby also needs to be new-born, between one and seven days old when you join the study.
For the study to work, both primary carers (usually mum and dad/partner) need to be involved if possible, and the father or partner's participation is essential. Also, it's important that parents can speak and understand English well enough to take part.
There are some situations where families wouldn't be able to join. These include if the baby has a very serious life-limiting condition, or if the parents are under 16 years old. If your baby is likely to be moved to a different hospital that isn't part of the study within four weeks, you also wouldn't be able to participate.
- Is your baby born between 22 and just under 33 weeks of pregnancy?
- Is your baby currently between one and seven days old?
- Are you and your partner (the baby's other primary carer) willing to take part?
- Can you comfortably speak and understand English?
- Does your baby not have a life-limiting condition?
- Are you and your partner aged 16 or over?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll be involved from when your baby is in the special care unit until six weeks after they've gone home. You and your partner will be asked to fill out some questionnaires to understand your feelings and experiences. Fathers and partners might also have a chat with a researcher to share their thoughts, and mothers might take part in a group discussion. There are no medications or special treatments involved, just questionnaires and conversations. The total duration of your participation would be from when your baby is very young until they are six weeks old after leaving hospital.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Neonatal Unit, Whipps Cross University HospitalLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Neonatal Unit, Homerton University HospitalLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is a 'premature baby'?
A premature baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. This study focuses on babies born even earlier, before 33 weeks.
What is Family-integrated care (FICare)?
FICare is when parents are encouraged to be fully involved in looking after their baby in the special care baby unit, working closely with the nurses and doctors.
What is the 'DadPad' app?
The DadPad app is a resource designed to give fathers and partners information and support on caring for their baby.
Will taking part affect my baby's care?
No, taking part in this study will not change your baby's medical care in any way.
Who will see the information I share?
The information you share will be kept confidential and used for research purposes only, helping to understand parents' experiences better.
How to find out more
Rupa Rubinstein, MRCPCH
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.