Family-centered care in the neonatal intensive care unit: a meta-analysis and systematic review of outcomes for preterm infants.

Background: The efficacy of family integrated care for preterm infants is not well established. This meta-analysis aims to assess the impact of family-integrated care on preterm infants to inform neonatal clinical practices.

Methods: We conducted a literature search in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Weipu, and Wanfang databases up to August 25, 2024. Two researchers independently screened articles, applying predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and performed quality assessments and data extraction. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software.

Results: Thirteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, encompassing 3,005 preterm infants, of which 1,390 received family-integrated care. Family-integrated care significantly improved breastfeeding rates [odds ratio (OR) =5.92, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.37 to 14.82, P<0.001], weight gain [mean difference (MD) =3.16, 95% CI: 2.51 to 3.80, P<0.001], and sleep duration (MD =3.25, 95% CI: 2.05 to 4.44, P<0.001) in preterm infants and reduced the one-month readmission rate (OR =0.37, 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.61, P<0.001). Egger's regression test indicated no publication bias among the outcomes (all P>0.05).

Conclusions: Family-integrated care markedly improves breastfeeding rates, promotes weight gain, and extends sleep duration in preterm infants, while concurrently reducing the likelihood of hospital readmission. This approach offers substantial benefits to both the preterm infants and their families, highlighting its potential for wider implementation in neonatal nursing practice.