Table 1

Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist: how TEDI-Prem differs from usual care

ItemTEDI-PremUsual care
Brief nameTelehealth for Early Developmental Intervention in babies born very preterm.NA
WhyUse of guided participation to enable parents to deliver intensive early motor, cognitive and language training to enhance neuroplasticity and parent education and support to improve parent mental health and well-being.Developmental monitoring with referral to intervention when impairments are identified.
MaterialsEnrich environments with age-appropriate, engaging toys to entice infants to actively and intensively practice and persist with problem-solving demands. A grasping toy (ball), hand rattle, wrist/ankle rattle and book are given to all participants. Parents adapt the environment to support the infant based on behaviour. Parent education handouts and accompanying videos support parent mental health and well-being and learning and implementation of programme principles.Materials not used (toys will be given to all participants, however, instructions not given).
WhoPhysiotherapist/occupational therapist (>5 years experience in paediatrics) uses participatory guidance to support the parent to work with their infant. Therapists complete 12 hours of online training modules which provides education on the theoretical underpinnings of the programme, the methodology of the trial and the intervention content. Further, therapists participate in a 3-day training workshop where a multidisciplinary team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists and psychologists teach the intervention prior to trial commencement.Referral to a physiotherapist, speech pathologist or occupational therapist, as needed.
How/
where		Hospital (face-to-face) and home-based in infant’s natural environment at the time of intervention (via telehealth).Face-to-face hospital or outpatient based as needed.
When
/how much		13 sessions over three phases:
Phase 1: from group randomisation to infant hospital discharge home.
4×30–45 min sessions face-to-face in hospital. If infants are transferred to another hospital or discharged home during phase 1, sessions are delivered via telehealth. Phase 1 focuses on building reciprocal engagement and parents reviewing and implementing key principles.
Phase 2: from discharge home to 6 months’ corrected age.
6×45–60 min sessions via telehealth. Phase 2 focuses on the parent providing daily opportunities for advancing motor, cognitive and social skills in play (20 min per day, 5 times per week).
Phase 3: From 6 to 12 months’ corrected age.
3×45–60 min sessions via telehealth. Phase 3 focuses on scaffolding the needs of each family to enhance independence. This may include integration into local services as needed.

  • Depends on the parents’ natural interaction patterns.

  • May be limited one-on-one play, use of toys or support of variable movements.

  • Community-based early intervention if referred to as part of usual care.

TailoringIntervention commences early in life and is tailored to infant’s environment, developmental stage and parents’ skill levels.Intervention only delivered if impairment identified and often has long wait list.
How wellTherapists trained to deliver TEDI-Prem intervention. One of the four sessions in phase 1 and all sessions in phases 2 and 3 will be video recorded for fidelity checks.Data will be captured on interventions (age commenced, intensity and duration).

  • NA, Not applicable; TEDI-Prem, Telehealth for Early Developmental Intervention in babies born very preterm.