Abstract

The need for interventios in preterm children has been lon recognized by numerous authors. A whole range of primary and secondary prevention studis has been reported. Most intervention work has focussed on supporting the development of the preterm children while in special care in hospital. Fewer studies have evaluated the support provided to preterm infants and parents after their discharge from hospital; some of these latter evaluation studies used an integrated approach combining stimulation programmes in the special care baby unit with continued support to parents. This article shows that extensive research has been conducted in support of various approaches.