Guest article by Dr. Eleni Vavouraki, President of  our partner parent organisation “Ilitominon” in Greece, EFCNI PPAB member, GLANCE Chair Committee member, ESCNH Ambassador, and Pani Pantelides, member of the Advisory Board of GLANCE, ESCNH Ambassador.

© Ilitominon

In a vital step towards enhancing the quality of care for preterm newborns in Greece, the parent organisation ‘Ilitominon” initiated “NeuBriC”, a comprehensive educational programme for healthcare professionals and parents, primarily aimed at enhancing the neurodevelopment of preterm infants at every level, as well as promoting the well-being of the entire family.

The programme is divided into two pillars. The first focuses on supporting the neurodevelopment of preterm infant in the NICU and ensuring a smooth transition to home. The second pillar, which is still under development, focuses on facilitating the transition from the NICU to home and promoting neurodevelopment during the first six months of corrected age.

NeuBriC for the NICU is focused on family-centred and trauma- informed care for preterm infants’, their family’s and NICU healthcare professionals’ wellbeing. It incorporates theories of neurodevelopment, neurobehaviour, attachment theory and parenting, Porges’ polyvagal theory, breastfeeding, and Kangaroo Mother Care, experienced-anticipated sensory environment, and changes in hospital systems. The model is rooted in three domains:

1. In an understanding of early neurological, emotional, neurobehavioural development of the preterm infant and how this can be influenced by the sensory environment of the NICU, care practices, and the separation of infant from their parents; and in an understanding of how toxic stress in the NICU can become trauma for the infant. Strategies are given for optimum neurodevelopment and how to avoid trauma.
2. In an understanding of the emotional and neurological changes parents have to go through in order to provide optimum care to their baby, the importance of happy family moments in the NICU, how separation from their baby can become trauma for the parents. Strategies are given for strengthening parents on a healthier and more optimum journey to parenthood that will result in optimum parenting for their baby.
3. In an understanding of how working in the NICU can result in burn out and create trauma for health care professionals, how to achieve better communication skills among each other and among parents, the emotional and behavioural journey of health care professionals to change their practice. Strategies are given to support health care professionals in all of the above.

NeuBriC’s structure and content

NeuBriC programme for the NICU is developed in a way that can be individualised in the needs of the NICU that will follow the training each time. Mainly it consists of the following components:

1. Four online introductory lectures (theory)
2. Two- three days of in-person training (theory and workshops)
3. Hands-on training in the NICU: training parents together with healthcare professionals in handling their baby and adjust their sensory environment and helping parents for smooth transition from NICU to home and at the same time educating healthcare professionals how to give that support to parents.
4. Follow up of the system change of the NICU for 6 months after the basic training.

The content of the programme is based on the European Standards of Care for Newborn Health and covers the topics of infant- and family-centred developmental care, care procedures, and (partially) nutrition and follow-up and continuing care.

The team

The multidisciplinary team of NeuBriC consists of Dr. Eleni Vavouraki, Scientific Coordinator, Pani Pantelides, Director, NIDCAP Professional, Neonatal/Paediatric Physiotherapist, and four more instructors: Foteini Andritsou, Neonatal Infant Feeding Lead & Neonatal Lead Nurse, IBCLC, Giannis Lemonis, NBO professional, Occupational Therapist for neonates and children, Anastasios Mokas, Speech and Language Therapist, Special Educator, and Maria Papafilippou, Mental Health Counselor/ Family Systemic Psychotherapist, API Lead Trainer.

A comprehensive, engaging, and practical training experience

In November 2024, the staff of the NICU of MHTERA Hospital in Athens attended a full NeuBriC course in order to move towards an integrated model of infant- and family-centred developmental care.

The interactive nature of the course was highly appreciated by both staff and parents. Workshops allowed participants to engage in role-playing exercises, case studies, and simulation scenarios that brought the principles of family-centred and trauma-informed care to life. Hands-on training provided practical tools that could be implemented immediately in the NICU setting, ensuring that every team member felt empowered and capable of providing optimal care to preterm infants and their families.

The course also created a unique opportunity for parents to share their experiences and insights, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between families and healthcare providers. The enthusiasm and engagement from both staff and parents highlighted the strong desire for this approach to be integrated into everyday NICU care.

The directors of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of MHTERA, Stamatina Leontiadis and Georgios Mavrogeorgos, consultant neonatologists, said: “This training underscores an essential truth: the foundation of a preterm newborn’s future begins with the care they receive from the moment they are born. Research shows that early experiences, especially in the NICU, have a profound impact on long-term health and development. By implementing family-centred and trauma-informed care, we can better support these vulnerable infants and their families, reducing stress, promoting healing, and fostering healthy growth.”

Finally, the heads of the nursing staff Gregoria Bakola and Georgia Mysirlaki noted: “The staff of the NICU is excited about this training experience that aims to provide holistic care for the infant and the family, with the ultimate goal of reducing parental trauma and optimal development of the newborns and creating a healing environment beneficial for all of us. At the core of this care model is the recognition that the NICU experience is not just about medical treatment but also about emotional and psychological support.”

Moving forward

As we reflect on the success of the first training course, we are committed to continuing our efforts to ensure that every preterm newborn in our country receives the best possible start in life. By embracing family-centred and trauma-informed developmental care, we are not only improving the immediate NICU experience but also laying the groundwork for healthier futures for these newborns.

The positive response from both parents and staff affirms that this approach is essential to the future of neonatal care. Our commitment to this model of care will continue to grow, with ongoing education, collaboration, and adaptation to meet the evolving needs of our patients and their families. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for preterm newborns, one that is rooted in compassion, and understanding of the families’ needs.