Psychological outcomes and discharge readiness of parents of preterm infants in China after family integrated care

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Family Integrated Care (FICare) on the psychological outcomes and discharge readiness of parents of premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Methods This prospective, non-randomized controlled study was conducted in the NICU of Nantong First People's Hospital (China). Parental psychological outcomes (trauma, depression, anxiety, and stress) were assessed using the Trauma Screening Questionnaire (TSQ), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) at two timepoints: within two weeks postpartum and at three months after discharge. Discharge readiness was evaluated using validated maternal and paternal readiness scales. Infant clinical outcomes, including nutritional and respiratory milestones, were also recorded. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 23.0 software, and statistical significance was set at p 0.05. Results A total of 84 families with preterm infants born at 28–34 weeks of gestation were enrolled and allocated into either the FICare group ( n = 42) or the standard care group ( n = 42). Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were comparable between the two groups. FICare significantly improved discharge readiness in both mothers and fathers at NICU discharge ( p 0.001 for all subscales). Parental psychological outcomes in the FICare group showed significant improvements at three months after discharge, including reduced rates of clinically significant trauma (TSQ-positive: mothers 2.38% vs. 21.43%, fathers 4.76% vs. 26.19%; all p 0.05) and PTSD (PCL-5-positive: mothers 2.38% vs. 23.81%, fathers 2.38% vs. 19.05%), along with decreased symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress (all p 0.05). In terms of infant outcomes, the FICare group exhibited earlier initiation of enteral feeding (2.14 ± 0.95 vs. 3.45 ± 0.94 days, p 0.001), quicker achievement of full enteral feeding (15.81 ± 4.62 vs. 20.45 ± 3.70 days, p 0.001), and higher discharge weight (2,202.07 ± 167.40 g vs. 1,982.94 ± 176.31 g, p 0.001), all without prolonging NICU stay or respiratory support. Conclusion FICare significantly enhanced the psychological well-being and discharge preparedness of parents of preterm infants, while also promoting improved nutritional outcomes in neonates.