As a practitioner working with children who were born prematurely, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest research to provide the best care possible. The study "Neurodevelopment at seven years and parents' feelings of prematurely born children" offers valuable insights into the long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of these children and their impact on family life. Here’s how you can use these findings to enhance your practice.
Understanding Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
The study found that 51% of children born very prematurely presented with neurodevelopmental abnormalities by age seven. These included:
- 3.3% with cerebral palsy
- 6.2% with hearing impairments
- 50.7% with visual impairments
- 11.3% with behavioral disorders
Recognizing these potential issues early can help in planning appropriate interventions.
Impact on School Performance
School performance was another critical area examined in the study. Despite the high prevalence of neurodevelopmental issues, 94% of children with abnormalities were enrolled in regular schools, with 33% receiving special support. Only 31% of the overall cohort had academic performance scores within the normal range for their age group.
As a practitioner, consider collaborating closely with schools to ensure these children receive the necessary support, such as individualized education plans (IEPs) and additional tutoring.
Parental Feelings and Quality of Life
The study also highlighted the significant impact on parents. At eight years old, 39% of parents of children with neurodevelopmental abnormalities felt that their child’s condition significantly impacted their quality of life, compared to 14% of parents of children without such abnormalities.
It’s crucial to provide holistic care that includes support for the entire family. Encourage parents to join support groups and offer resources for mental health services to help them cope with the challenges.
Implementing Findings in Practice
Here are some practical steps to implement these findings:
- Conduct regular developmental screenings for prematurely born children.
- Collaborate with schools to create supportive educational environments.
- Offer resources and support for parents to manage the emotional and practical challenges.
- Stay updated with the latest research and integrate new findings into your practice.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Neurodevelopment at seven years and parents' feelings of prematurely born children.
