What are the recommended interventions for improving outcomes in infants born preterm?

Recommended interventions for improving health outcomes in infants born preterm include:

• Providing tailored information and support to parents and carers: This involves discussing the risk and prevalence of developmental problems, offering emotional and psychological support, and facilitating peer support opportunities to help families cope and care effectively for their preterm infant ¹.
• Early and inclusive discharge planning: Start discharge planning soon after birth, involving parents at all stages, agreeing on a discharge plan that includes clear information about antenatal and perinatal risk factors, and sharing this plan with healthcare teams and families ¹.
• Supporting parental skills and confidence: Help parents gain the knowledge and skills needed to care for their baby at home and support developmental needs, acknowledging parental anxiety ¹.
• Specialist neonatal respiratory care: Provide appropriate respiratory support during the perinatal period (48 hours before birth to 7 days after birth), including stabilisation and skin-to-skin contact to support smooth transition and respiratory function ².
• Developmental follow-up and monitoring: Recognise that children born preterm are at increased risk of multiple developmental issues (motor, cognitive, behavioural, sensory impairments), and ensure ongoing assessment and early intervention as needed ¹.