Enhancing Parental Well-being in the NICU
Massachusetts General Hospital
Summary
The goal of this study is to test the feasibility and acceptability of a dyadic, resiliency intervention ("Resilient Families;" R-FAM) that aims to reduce emotional distress and improve relationships among parents in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). To achieve this goal, the investigators are developing a randomized control trial where patients will be randomized to either the R-FAM condition or a minimally enhanced usual control (MEUC), which includes resources on parent mental health and coping in the NICU.
Description
The investigators aim to conduct a pilot feasibility randomized clinical trial (RCT) of R-FAM (Resilient Families) with NICU parents (up to N = 70 dyads) followed by a brief exit interview. The investigators will determine if the feasibility, acceptability, and fidelity of the program meet a priori benchmarks. The investigators also hope to establish preliminary efficacy that the program reduces parental emotional distress and other study outcomes described in sections below. The investigators will use qualitative data and data from the R-FAM open pilot to optimize the intervention and study p…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult parent/legal guardian (and/or their partner) of a baby admitted to the NICU within past week (age ≥ 18) * Currently in an intimate relationship and will live with baby after NICU discharge * At least one dyad member is emotionally distressed (GAD\>=10 or PHQ \>= 10) * English fluency/literacy * Ability and willingness to participate via live video Exclusion Criteria: * Baby is expected to pass away (as determined by medical team) * Current, untreated psychosis or substance dependence/abuse * Current self-report of suicidal ideation
Interventions
- OtherResilient Families (R-FAM)
R-FAM is a resiliency intervention for couples with an infant admitted to the NICU. Parents will complete 6 guided sessions with a clinical psychologist that cover topics such as managing stress, staying in the present, and coping with uncertainty. Through these sessions, parents will learn skills to manage the "emotional roller-coaster" of the NICU, cope with stress, and connect with each other.
- OtherEducational Resources & Program
Parents will receive educational resources on how to cope with and adjust to the NICU stay.
Location
- Mass General BrighamBoston, Massachusetts