Session: Neonatal General 11: Social Determinants of Health / Family Engagement
654 - Designing Effective Post-Discharge Safe Sleep Education: Insights from Mothers of Preterm Infants on a Video-Based Intervention
Monday, April 27, 2026
8:00am - 10:00am ET
Publication Number: 4640.654
Peyton Rieger, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States; Eve Colson, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, United States; Rachel Moon, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States; Laura Crook, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States; Lauren Nacke, Washington University in St. Louis School of Public Health, St. Louis, MO, United States; Mackenzie Cunningham, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States; Margaret Parker, UMass Chan School of Medicine, Worcester, MA, United States; Genevieve Guyol, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States; Sunah S. Hwang, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO, United States; Nicole Geller, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States; Bryanne N. Colvin, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
Professor and Associate Dean Washington University School of Medicine St Louis, Missouri, United States
Background: Preterm birth is associated with an increased risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID). Additionally, rates of adherence with infant safe sleep after hospital discharge are low in this group. Consistent post-discharge safe sleep education may improve adherence and decrease SUID rates. Objective: To explore perspectives of mothers of preterm infants about optimal strategies and content for delivering safe sleep education via videos sent by text during the first two months after neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge. Design/Methods: Between April and October 2025, we conducted semi-structured virtual interviews with English-speaking mothers of preterm infants (born at 28–36 weeks’ gestation) discharged from NICUs in four U.S. cities. Purposeful sampling captured diverse viewpoints. Interviews addressed video delivery logistics (timing, frequency, format) and content priorities. Sessions were recorded over secure Zoom, transcribed, de-identified, and analyzed using a rapid qualitative approach. Institutional Review Board approval was obtained. Results: Nineteen mothers participated. (Table 1) For logistics, participants preferred short videos that could be viewed on demand, with limited frequency (e.g. a few times per week). For content, they valued guidance from both healthcare providers and families with similar experiences. Key topics included transitioning from cardiorespiratory monitoring, managing gastroesophageal reflux, understanding evolving recommendations, and providing resources for additional information. Participant emphasized practical, actionable information tailored to the unique challenges of caring for preterm infants.
Conclusion(s): Participants highlighted the importance of combining expert and peer voices, delivering videos in a convenient format, and addressing real-world challenges such as monitors and reflux. These insights will guide the development of a national video-based intervention to promote safe sleep practices among families of preterm infants.
