Download

Download Full Text (496 KB)

Description

Premature and medically fragile infants are at high risk for developmental delays and benefit from ongoing support. Parents often feel overwhelmed and uncertain about how to support their child’s development at home. This project addressed gaps in caregiver education and support by developing the PEARLS Program (Promoting Early Achievements, Resilience, and Life Skills), a practical resource tailored to the needs of families and healthcare providers.

A needs assessment and provider feedback guided the program’s development, identifying challenges such as information overload, confusion around corrected age, and feeding difficulties. The PEARLS Program empowers families with digestible, actionable resources, including a “Going Home” packet, age-specific handouts, interactive tools, and a social media platform. These tools bridge gaps in communication and promote confidence in caregivers as they navigate their child’s growth and development.

Publication Date

Fall 12-18-2024

Publisher

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Keywords

Child development, NICU, Preterm, Caregiver, Social media, Age-specific

Medical Subject Headings

Infant, Child, Caregivers, Child development, Age factors, Parents, Resilience, Psychological, Health personnel, Needs assessment, Feedback, Social media

Disciplines

Occupational Therapy | Other Rehabilitation and Therapy | Pediatrics

Comments

Poster presented at the Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium, held online at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences December 18th, 2024

Navigating Life After th NICU: A Developmental Guide for Preterm and High-Risk Infants and Toddlers

Share

COinS