CompletedNot Applicable

A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of FICare At 18 Months

Canada297 participantsStarted 2017-09-27

Plain-language summary

In Alberta, one in every twelve babies is born preterm. Compared with their full term counterparts, preterm infants who survive are at higher risk for respiratory problems, jaundice, infections, feeding problems, behavioural problems, and neuro-developmental disabilities, including cognitive delays, and visual and hearing impairments. As a result, parents must leave their preterm babies in the hospital to fully develop enough to care for them at home. When it is time for discharge, parents are often unprepared to look after their baby because they may have limited involvement in the care of their baby in hospital. In addition to the distress and costs to parents of having a baby in hospital, health system costs are also increased the longer a baby is in hospital. The aim of this novel health services study is to assess the longer-term outcomes and costs, to 18 months corrected age, of Family Integrated Care (FICare) for moderate and late preterm infants admitted to a Level II neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). A cluster randomized controlled trial (cRCT) of FICare is currently in progress. FICare is a psycho-educational intervention that empowers parents (mothers and fathers) to sequentially build their knowledge, skill, and confidence so the family is well-prepared to care for their preterm infant before discharge. The FICare cRCT evaluates outcomes related to infant global development and maternal psychosocial distress at 2 months. At 2 months, it is difficult to predict longer term outcomes for moderate and late preterm infants. A follow-up study at 18 months will provide evidence of the sustainability of any effects, and longer-term cost savings upon which to inform policy decisions about full-scale implementation of FICare in Level II NICUs.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Months

Sex

FEMALE

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Mothers of infants born between 32 weeks and zero days and 34 weeks and 6 days gestation who enrolled in the FICare Alberta Level II NICU cluster controlled trial (cRCT). The FICare cRCT enrolled mothers of any age who have decision making capacity; mothers who are able to speak, read and understand English well enough to provide informed consent, and complete surveys online or via telephone. Exclusion Criteria: * The FICare Alberta Level II NICU cRCT excluded mothers whose infants have serious congenital or chromosomal anomalies that require surgery, or are receiving palliative care; mothers who are not able to communicate in English; mothers with complex social issues.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Global development

Timeframe: At 18-months corrected age

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03337659

SponsorUniversity of Calgary

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2020-03-26

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Premature Birth trials