Chanpura Dhwani D, Mukkamala Neha, Gupta Nalina
Pediatric Physiotherapy, College of Physiotherapy, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Vadodara, IND.
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, College of Physiotherapy, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Vadodara, IND.
Cureus. 2025 Aug 2;17(8):e89243. doi: 10.7759/cureus.89243. eCollection 2025 Aug.
This study aims to explore the caregiver empowerment regarding the novel device and physiotherapy interventions in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Physiotherapeutic interventions in the NICU are among the earliest neurodevelopmental strategies provided to preterm infants. These include multisensory stimulations, along with flexed positioning that can support developmental progress. However, the emotional toll on mothers and caregivers during a neonate's NICU admission, especially with added therapeutic procedures, remains a less explored domain. Gaining insight into their experiences is crucial for enhancing both developmental and emotional care practices. Ninety mothers/caregivers of preterm neonates (<37 gestational weeks), who were medically stable within the first 72 hours of life, had no congenital or neurological impairments, and received physiotherapy and positioning in a novel postural supporting device till admission to discharge, were included in this study. A descriptive qualitative design was employed. A structured, self-developed questionnaire was used for a brief interview of five to 10 minutes. Transcripts were thematically analyzed using content analysis. Five primary themes emerged: affective change; improvement in activity; improvement in participation; reduction in hospitalization; and empowerment in post-discharge care. The study highlights the emotional and developmental significance of physiotherapy interventions along with positioning for both neonates and their caregivers. Mothers experienced increased confidence, participation, and emotional support, underscoring the need for family-centered approaches in NICU physiotherapy.
本研究旨在探讨新生儿重症监护病房（NICU）中照顾者在新型设备及物理治疗干预方面的赋权情况。NICU中的物理治疗干预是为早产儿提供的最早的神经发育策略之一。这些干预包括多感官刺激，以及可促进发育进程的屈曲体位。然而，新生儿入住NICU期间，尤其是在增加治疗程序的情况下，母亲和照顾者所承受的情感负担仍是一个较少被探索的领域。深入了解他们的经历对于改善发育护理和情感护理实践至关重要。本研究纳入了90名孕周小于37周的早产儿的母亲/照顾者，这些早产儿在出生后72小时内病情稳定，无先天性或神经损伤，且在一种新型姿势支撑设备中接受物理治疗和体位调整直至出院。采用描述性定性设计。使用一份自行编制的结构化问卷进行5至10分钟的简短访谈。采用内容分析法对访谈记录进行主题分析。出现了五个主要主题：情感变化；活动改善；参与度提高；住院时间缩短；出院后护理中的赋权。该研究强调了物理治疗干预以及体位调整对新生儿及其照顾者在情感和发育方面的重要性。母亲们体验到了自信心增强、参与度提高和情感支持，这凸显了在NICU物理治疗中采用以家庭为中心方法的必要性。
