Self-efficacy theory as a framework for interventions that support parents of NICU infants

Transitioning a Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) premature infant from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to home is a very stressful task for parents. Few studies examined the needs of parents of VLBW infants during the transition; moreover, even less is known about technology development strategies that aim to increase the parenting confidence. In this study, we used Bandura´s self-efficacy theory as a framework to understand ways to develop successful interventions for parents of VLBW infants. The self-efficacy theory posits that parenting behavior and the quality of care can be improved by supporting the four major sources of self-efficacy: mastery experiences, vicarious experiences, social persuasion, and physiological responses. We describe self-efficacy theory and its role in the development of technology interventions to support parents of NICU infants using a case study, called NICU-2-HOME.