Resilient Families

Launched by MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · Jan 25, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The "Resilient Families" trial is studying a program designed to help parents of babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) cope with the emotional stress that often comes with having a sick newborn. The goal of the study is to create and test a supportive intervention that can improve relationships and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression among these parents. The researchers will gather input from parents and NICU staff to shape the program, and then they will test its effectiveness in a clinical trial where some participants receive the new program while others receive standard care.

To be eligible for this trial, you must be an adult parent or legal guardian of a baby who was admitted to the NICU within the past week and be living with your baby after discharge. You should be in a committed relationship, and at least one partner should be experiencing emotional distress related to the situation. Participants will be asked to join the study through live video sessions and will need to be comfortable communicating in English. It’s important to note that parents whose baby is expected to pass away or those dealing with serious mental health issues may not be eligible. This trial aims to provide valuable support to families during a challenging time.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adult parent/legal guardian (and/or their partner) of a baby admitted to the NICU within past week (age ≥ 18)
• • Currently in an intimate relationship and will live with baby after NICU discharge
• • At least one dyad member is emotionally distressed (HADS \>7 on depression or anxiety subscale)
• • English fluency/literacy
• • Ability and willingness to participate via live video
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Baby is expected to pass away (as determined by medical team)
• • Current, untreated psychosis or substance dependence/abuse
• • Current self-report of suicidal ideation