Enhancing Maternal Self-efficacy in Caring for Preterm Infants with Ventilator through a Telehealth Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Telehealth is increasingly important in nursing, encouraging mothers of preterm infants with ventilators to have confidence in their infant care. This study investigated the impact of a telehealth program on maternal self-efficacy in caring for preterm infants with ventilators in the early postpartum period. We employed a randomized controlled trial using the block allocation method, enrolled 42 mothers of preterm infants receiving ventilators and randomly assigned 21 in the experiment group and 21 in the control group. The experimental group received asynchronous and synchronous telehealth programs for six days to enhance their self-efficacy. Data were obtained using the demographic data questionnaire and the maternal self-efficacy questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test, Fisher’s Exact test, Mann–Whitney U test, independent t-test, and paired t-test. After completing the program, the experimental group had a significantly higher mean score of maternal perceived self-efficacy than the control group, and this was significantly higher than before the trial. A telehealth program is effective for mothers with preterm infants with ventilators. Nurses should allow the mothers to practice care activities with infants at least once before discharge and when they arrive home and provide health information via telehealth. These can enhance maternal self-efficacy in caring for premature infants with ventilators in the first week of life. However, further testing of the program in other settings is needed before widespread implementation.