Time Together: A Feasible Program to Promote parent-infant Interaction in the NICU

Music therapy in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is often restricted to infants and families most in need because of limited time. This study explored the translation of basic aspects of the therapist-delivered contingent singing method into a program of parent-infant interaction information. A purposive sample of 13 mothers evaluated the parent education program called Time Together. The feasibility issues of acceptability and implementation were qualitatively evaluated usingRallis and Rossman's (2003)program evaluation method to identify both strengths and weaknesses. Participants reported the program to be useful, with the most positive response for the content about infant behavioral cues for interaction. The weakest aspects of translation were for key language and some aspects of visual content in the program booklet. Findings indicated that for these participants, the Time Together program provided meaningful learning about parent-infant interaction in one session.