Implementing intelligent nursing interventions to enhance self-efficacy and hospital readiness in parents of preterm infants: a randomised controlled trial protocol.

INTRODUCTION

The discharge readiness of preterm infants and parental self-efficacy are crucial for ensuring high-quality postdischarge care and positive health outcomes. However, many parents face significant challenges, including anxiety, lack of confidence and insufficient support. Research indicates that greater discharge readiness and self-efficacy enhance adherence to care plans, parenting confidence and stress management. Despite this, existing interventions often lack personalisation and real-time support to meet the evolving needs of parents. Intelligent, adaptive interventions may bridge this gap by providing tailored, data-driven guidance.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This randomised controlled trial will evaluate the effectiveness of an intelligent intervention based on just-in-time adaptive interventions and the Kenner Transition Model in enhancing parental self-efficacy and discharge readiness. A total of 84 parents of preterm infants from a tertiary hospital will be randomly assigned to either a control group that receives routine discharge education or an experimental group that receives additional support through a WeChat program, which includes personalised guidance, real-time feedback and one-on-one online support. Primary outcomes include discharge readiness (measured using the Chinese version of the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale-Parent Form), parental self-efficacy (measured using the Chinese Parent Self-Efficacy Scale), breastfeeding rate, rehospitalisation rate and infant growth indicators (eg, body weight). Secondary outcomes include parental anxiety, caregiving ability and satisfaction with continuity of care. Data will be collected at baseline, 24 hours before discharge, and at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months after discharge. Statistical analysis will be performed using SPSS, Python, RStudio and EpiData to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study has been approved by the Ethics Review Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University (ID: SDFY-B-2024-185). Informed consent is required from all participants or their guardians. The authors intend to submit their findings for publication in peer-reviewed journals or academic conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT06635473.