The NeuroSense PremmieEd Parenting Educational Intervention (PremmieSense) - a neuroprotective intervention for preterm infant-parent dyads: Reported using the TIDieR framework

Background: Preterm birth affects approximately 10% of births globally, placing infants at risk for neurodevelopmental delays, and exposing parents to stress and disrupted bonding. Parent education in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) is a key intervention that supports neuroprotection and enhances parent-infant synchrony. While such interventions show promise, their contextual fit in low-resource settings like South Africa requires further evaluation. The NeuroSense PremmieEd Parenting Educational Intervention (PremmieSense) aims to promote neuroprotective care and strengthen parent-infant bonding during NICU admission. The intervention includes a picture-based booklet (in English and Setswana) and structured, group-based sessions delivered by trained healthcare professionals. Sessions are flexible in number and focus, tailored to maternal needs and logistical constraints within public hospital settings. Objectives: To describe the NeuroSense PremmieEd Parenting Educational Intervention (PremmieSense) using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) framework, with reference to its alignment with established components of effective NICU-based interventions for parents of preterm infants and with consideration of parental expectations. Methods: The TIDieR matrix guided the structured reporting of the programme’s development, rationale, content, and delivery approach. Results: PremmieSense demonstrated feasibility and acceptability in low-resource South African NICUs. Delivered shortly after NICU admission, the programme provided practical, culturally sensitive content and was supported by trained facilitators. Parents reported improved knowledge of preterm infant behaviour (assessed via the Knowledge of Preterm Infant Behaviour (KPIB) scale), reduced stress (assessed via the Parental Stress Scale: NICU (PSS:NICU)), greater confidence, and improved responsiveness to infant cues. Despite challenges such as early discharges and limited staff, the intervention was well received and adaptable. It supported early neural synchrony, parent-infant bonding, and smoother transitions to home care. The TIDieR framework enhanced transparency and fidelity, supporting potential replication. Conclusions: This paper presents the PremmieSense parenting programme using the TIDieR matrix to promote clear reporting, replication, and implementation. Findings suggest its potential value for improving parent and infant outcomes in NICUs, especially within low-resource contexts. Trial registration: Not applicable.