Effect of a Smartphone-Based Neonatal Transitional Care Program for Families of Infants and Toddlers Born as High-Risk Neonates

Background: In this study, researchers developed and evaluated the effect of a neonatal transitional care program application designed for home use by families of infants and toddlers born as high-risk neonates following discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit. Methods: The and “Developing Together” (neonatal transitional care, NTC) program, a smartphone-based application, was created based on the FICare model, utilizing the Analysis, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate instructional design process. Researchers employed a nonequivalent control group and non-synchronized design (experimental group, n = 65; control group, n = 63). The program was conducted over 5–6 weeks. Participants were evaluated using questionnaires before and immediately after the program as an online, self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, χ2 tests and Fisher’s exact tests, in addition to ANCOVA. Results: Compared with the parents in the control group, those in the experimental group demonstrated increased developmental knowledge (F = 3.94, p = 0.009), parenting knowledge (F = 6.72, p < 0.001) and maternal confidence (F = 9.33, p < 0.001), and reduced stress levels (F = 2.70, p = 0.046). Conclusions: The transitional care program utilizing a smartphone app led to significant improvements following the educational intervention for families of high-risk neonates within the community.