The impact of interventions based on “continuing nursing care under the Internet Plus Health Education model” on the readiness of families with premature infants for discharge and the home nurture environment

Premature infants face major post-discharge challenges in growth, neurodevelopment, and home care. Limited caregiver skills and closed neonatal intensive care unit management increase risks of infection and readmission. The Internet Plus Health Education model provides continuous, convenient, and personalized guidance (e.g., via WeChat). This study evaluated its effect on family readiness for discharge, the home nurture environment, caregiver self-efficacy, satisfaction, infant growth, and caregiver acceptance. Two hundred preterm infants discharged from our hospital between March 2023 and April 2024 were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 100) or observation group (n = 100). Outcomes included caregiver self-efficacy, readiness for discharge, satisfaction, infant weight and height, and caregiver acceptance of the model. The observation group showed higher self-efficacy (32.76 ± 4.12 vs 26.89 ± 3.98), discharge readiness (24.76 ± 2.89 vs 18.12 ± 2.03), and satisfaction scores (overall 4.56 ± 0.42 vs 3.30 ± 0.60, all P < .05). Infant growth was greater in the observation group (weight 3.80 ± 0.40 kg vs 3.80 ± 0.40 kg baseline-adjusted; height 54.10 ± 2.60 cm vs 54.10 ± 2.60 cm, P < .05). Acceptance of the Internet Plus Nursing model was also higher (97.0% vs 85.0%, χ2 = 8.791, P = .003). Continuing nursing care under the Internet Plus Health Education model significantly improved discharge readiness, home care environment, caregiver self-efficacy and satisfaction, and infant growth. The model is well accepted and offers valuable implications for preterm infant care.