Population-based study of two year outcomes in very preterm babies
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Population - based study of two year outcomes in very preterm babies - a regional cohort in the North East of England
IRAS ID
225912
Contact name
Otilia Osmulikevici
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 28 days
Research summary
Advances in medicine mean that the survival of premature babies has increased dramatically over the last 20 years. Half of the babies born more than 16 weeks early now survive. Whilst most go on to lead happy and healthy lives some have longer term problems, such as physical difficulties, slower learning, or medical problems. We want to determine two year outcomes of babies born more than 12 weeks early in the North East of England. This information is important for babies and families; it may help nurses and doctors to improve care, and is also important for the NHS to plan its resources.
The study will identify babies by using existing NHS records. We will collect existing information about disability, general health, any problems with breathing, and the baby’s behaviour, and also about the care the baby received whilst in hospital, and during follow up visits to hospital, using medical notes. We will also ask parents to complete a questionnaire. Parents will be informed about the study at the time of the routine hospital visit when their baby is aged two years, and can choose if they wish to be involved in the study.
Although all babies born more than 12 weeks early are offered a follow up appointment, some are not brought to the hospital. We want to understand the reasons for this. We think it is important to collect the outcomes for every baby, so we will contact parents who do not bring their baby to the routine follow up appointment directly (by letter and/or phone), after having checked how the baby is doing with their general practitioner. We will offer to collect follow up information by arranging a home visit if families find it difficult to get to the hospital, by questionnaire or telephone.REC name
North East - York Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NE/0265
Date of REC Opinion
8 Sep 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion