Prior intervention studies conducted with parents of LBW
premature infants have created a solid foundation upon
which to guide nursing practice {see Table i). Significant
contributions of the evidence from this body of research as
a whole include: (a) the importance of providing parents
with educational information/anticipatory guidance about
their premature infants" development and behaviors; (b) the
knowledge that providing this type of information improves
parental responsiveness and maternal-infant interaction
which, in turn,seems to have a positive impact on child development: and (c) assisting parents in establishing a
specific, ongoing role in the care of their hospitalized infants
facilitates stronger beliefs in their ability to care for their
infants and greater involvement in their care