Family-Centered Rehabilitation and Parenting Resilience in the Care of an Infant Born at 22 Weeks: A Case Study.

This case report describes the implementation of Family-Centered Care (FCC) and developmental occupational therapy (OT) for an extremely preterm infant born at 22 weeks and one day of gestation, weighing 448 g. The infant experienced multiple complications, including necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis, intraventricular hemorrhage, and respiratory distress, requiring prolonged intensive care. Due to physiological fragility and immature neurobehavior, a structured rehabilitation approach was introduced, integrating OT and caregiver participation based on FCC principles. The intervention aimed to enhance the infant's self-regulation and support parenting resilience. Self-regulation was evaluated using the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS), and parental resilience was assessed with the Parenting Resilience Elements Questionnaire (PREQ). The program was divided into three phases aligned with developmental stages and caregiver involvement. NBAS self-regulation scores improved from a median of 1 (low level) to 6 (ordinary level). PREQ scores for both parents also increased, reflecting stronger emotional bonding, better understanding of the infant's cues, and improved confidence in caregiving. Caregivers were gradually engaged in routines such as suckling, bathing, and developmental play. Collaborative role-sharing among occupational therapists, physical therapists, and nursing staff further supported the intervention. This case highlights how early FCC and developmental OT may promote neurodevelopment and psychological adaptation in families of extremely preterm infants.