OBJECTIVE:To determine the predictive accuracy of an early high risk of cerebral palsy (CP) classification for CP diagnosed by 2 years' corrected age within an implementation study of international clinical CP guidelines. DESIGN:Implementation cohort study. SETTING:Eleven Australian neonatal intensive care units. PATIENTS:453 infants born 2019-21 <28 weeks' gestation, or ≥28 weeks with other newborn-detectable risk factors for CP. INTERVENTIONS:Implementation included providing professional development for clinicians, technology (smartphone app) and health network peer support. Infants were classified as high risk of CP if they had abnormal findings on at least two of the following three assessments: neonatal neuroimaging, General Movements Assessment at 3-4 months or Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Baseline perinatal data and 2-year outcome data were collected from medical record review. Any parent-report of CP at the 2-year interview was confirmed by medical records and/or a paediatrician's report. We calculated predictive values for high risk of CP classification for confirmed CP at 2 years. RESULTS:We obtained 2-year outcomes from 425 infants (95%). High risk of CP was classified in 105 (25%) of these infants at a mean age of 3.5 months (SD 2.5). This classification demonstrated 91% sensitivity (95% CI 82% to 96%), 90% specificity (95% CI 86% to 93%) and 90% accuracy (95% CI 87% to 93%) for predicting CP, with a mean age of diagnosis of 10.8 months (SD 6.3). CONCLUSION:Being classified as high risk of CP using a combination of neuroimaging, General Movements Assessment and/or Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination can predict CP by 2 years of age with high accuracy.

Introduction Infants born very preterm (VPT, <32 weeks’ gestation) are at increased risk for neurodevelopmental impairments including motor, cognitive and behavioural delay. Parents of infants born VPT also have poorer mental health outcomes compared with parents of infants born at term.We have developed an intervention programme called TEDI-Prem (Telehealth for Early Developmental Intervention in babies born very preterm) based on previous research. TEDI-Prem aims to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes and parental well-being in children born VPT. Here we present the protocol outlining a multicentre, pragmatic, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial to determine the efficacy of TEDI-Prem plus usual care, compared with usual care alone.Methods and analysis We will recruit 466 VPT infants from the neonatal units of five hospitals in Victoria, Australia. Participants will be randomised, stratified by site of recruitment and multiple births, to TEDI-Prem plus usual care or usual care alone. The TEDI-Prem intervention programme involves 13 sessions across three phases. Phase 1 commences in the neonatal unit with four face-to-face sessions with parent/s and a physiotherapist/occupational therapist. Once discharged from the hospital, sessions across phases 2 and 3 (six and three sessions, respectively) continue via telehealth until infants are 12 months’ corrected age (CA).The primary outcome is the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-fourth edition (Bayley-4) Motor Composite Score at 12 months’ CA. Secondary outcomes address other neurodevelopmental domains (Bayley-4 cognitive and language composite score; Infant Toddler Social Emotional Assessment), parental mental health (Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale 21), parent–child interaction (Emotional Availability Scale) and programme cost-effectiveness which encompasses parent quality of life (Short-Form Six-Dimension Quality of Life) and child quality of life (EuroQol Toddler and Infant Populations measure) at 12 and 24 months’ CA.Mean differences between groups will be examined using linear regression for continuous outcomes and logistic regression for binary outcomes. All models will be fitted via generalised estimating equations to account for multiple births and adjusted for the hospital sites.Ethics and dissemination This trial has Royal Children’s Hospital Human Research and Ethics Committee approval (HREC/67604/RCHM-2020) with specific site approval for all participating sites. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, digital and print media and to participants.Trial egistration number This trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12621000364875).

Over the first few months after birth, the typical emergence of spontaneous, fidgety general movements is associated with later developmental outcomes. In contrast, the absence of fidgety movements is a core feature of several neurodevelopmental and cognitive disorders. Currently, manual assessment of early infant movement patterns is time consuming and labour intensive, limiting its wider use. Recent advances in computer vision and deep learning have led to the emergence of pose estimation techniques, computational methods designed to locate and track body points from video without specialised equipment or markers, for movement tracking. In this study, we use automated markerless tracking of infant body parts to build statistical models of early movements. Using a dataset of infant movement videos (n = 486) from 330 infants we demonstrate that infant movement can be modelled as a sequence of eight motor states using autoregressive, state-space models. Each, motor state Is characterised by specific body part movements, the expression of which varies with age and differs in infants at high-risk of poor neurodevelopmental outcome.

ObjectiveTo describe the implementation of the international guidelines for the early diagnosis of cerebral palsy (CP) and engagement in the screening process in an Australian cohort of infants with neonatal risk factors for CP.Study designProspective cohort study of infants with neonatal risk factors recruited at <6 months CA from 11 sites in the states of Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, Australia. First, we implemented a multi-modal knowledge translation strategy including barrier identification, technology integration and special interest groups. Screening was implemented as follows: infants with clinical indications for neuroimaging underwent magnetic resonance imaging and/or cranial ultrasound. The General Movements Assessment (GMA) was recorded clinically or using an app (Baby Moves). Infants with absent or abnormal fidgety movements on GMA videos were offered further assessment using the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE). Infants with atypical findings on 2/3 assessments met criteria for high risk of CP.ResultsOf the 597 infants (56% male) recruited, 95% (n=565) received neuroimaging, 90% (n=537) had scorable GMA videos (2% unscorable/8% no video), and 25% (n=149) HINE. Overall, 19% of the cohort (n=114/597) met criteria for high risk of CP, 57% (340/597) had at least two normal assessments (of neuroimaging, GMA or HINE), and 24% (n=143/597) had insufficient assessments.ConclusionsEarly CP screening was implemented across participating sites using a multi-modal knowledge translation strategy. Although the COVID-19 pandemic affected recruitment rates, there was high engagement in the screening process. Reasons for engagement in early screening from parents and clinicians warrant further contextualization and investigation.

The Prechtl General Movements Assessment (GMA) has become a clinician and researcher toolbox for evaluating neurodevelopment in early infancy. Given that it involves the observation of infant movements from video recordings, utilising smartphone applications to obtain these recordings seems like the natural progression for the field. In this review, we look back on the development of apps for acquiring general movement videos, describe the application and research studies of available apps, and discuss future directions of mobile solutions and their usability in research and clinical practice. We emphasise the importance of understanding the background that has led to these developments while introducing new technologies, including the barriers and facilitators along the pathway. The GMApp and Baby Moves apps were the first ones developed to increase accessibility of the GMA, with two further apps, NeuroMotion and InMotion, designed since. The Baby Moves app has been applied most frequently. For the mobile future of GMA, we advocate collaboration to boost the field's progression and to reduce research waste. We propose future collaborative solutions, including standardisation of cross-site data collection, adaptation to local context and privacy laws, employment of user feedback, and sustainable IT structures enabling continuous software updating.

BACKGROUND:Evidence for analgesic effects of parent-led pain management strategies during painful procedures in newborn infants exists; however, such strategies are inconsistently used in practice. A publicly available parent-targeted video demonstrates breastfeeding, skin-to-skin care, and sucrose during painful procedures. Australian parents' use and knowledge of this video and these strategies was unknown.PURPOSE:To determine parents' use of pain management strategies, and perceived acceptability and usefulness of the parent-targeted video.METHODS:A cross-sectional, online, anonymous survey with embedded video. Participants were recruited via social media channels of the Miracle Babies Foundation, an Australian parent support network. Target participants were parents or family members of infants currently or previously hospitalized in neonatal special and/or intensive care nurseries, or high dependency units.RESULTS:A total of 162 of 189 respondents provided sufficient data for analysis; all identified as mothers. Only 6 (4%) had previously seen the video; however, nearly all rated it as potentially useful and helpful (n = 124, 82%). Although most reported that sucrose had been used (n = 112, 84%), fewer reported having used skin-to-skin care (n = 50, 37%), or breastfeeding (n = 33, 25%). Most intended to advocate for skin-to-skin care (n = 108, 88%) or breastfeeding (n = 100, 81%) in future procedures. Perceived barriers to utilizing strategies included lack of information-sharing and organizational practices that excluded parent involvement.IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH:The video may be valuable in supporting mothers to advocate for their involvement during painful procedures in preterm and sick hospitalized infants. Further research is recommended to explore coordinated strategies targeting parents and healthcare professionals to overcome barriers to implementing parent-led infant pain management strategies.

Background: The relationship between early postnatal brain development and neurobehaviour at term-equivalent age (TEA) remains uncertain. Aim: We aimed to explore relationships between early postnatal cranial ultrasonography (cUS) linear measures of brain size and brain growth with neurobehaviour at TEA in infants born <30 weeks' gestational age (GA). Study design: Prospective observational cohort study. Subjects: 137 infants born <30 weeks' GA without major brain injury on neonatal cUS. Outcome measures: Neurobehaviour at TEA assessed using the General Movements Assessment (GMA) and Hammersmith Neonatal Neurological Examination (HNNE). Results: The GMA was administered in 115/137 (84%) infants; 80 (70%) presented with abnormal general movements (GMs) (79 poor repertoire, 1 cramped synchronised). The HNNE was assessed in 106/137 (77%) infants; 52 (49%) had a suboptimal total score. With respect to brain size, larger measures of the corpus callosum length (CCL) and right anterior horn width (AHW) at 1-month were related to lower risk of abnormal GMs, and larger measures of the biparietal diameter at 1-week and 2-months were related to lower risk of a suboptimal HNNE. As for brain growth, increases of the CCL and transcerebellar diameter between birth and 1-month, and left and right AHWs between 1-and 2-months, were related to lower risk of abnormal GMs. Conclusion: Early postnatal brain size and brain growth were related to neurobehaviour at TEA in infants born <30 weeks' GA. This study provides preliminary evidence for the prognostic utility of early postnatal cUS linear measures as potential markers of neurodevelopment in later childhood.

Aim Parents of preterm or sick infants are at increased risk of mental health problems. The financial stress associated with an infant's prolonged hospital stay can have an additional negative effect on families' wellbeing and child development. This study explores parent use of Australian paid parental leave (PPL) and the financial impact of having an infant requiring neonatal care. Methods Retrospective, cross‐sectional, online survey study conducted from November 2020 to February 2021. Participants were parents of babies born from 1 January 2013, admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit or special care nursery in Australia. The survey explored use of Australian Government and private sector PPL, and financial stress. Parent‐reported anxiety and depression were measured using the EuroQol Group 5D‐5L Anxiety and Stress Subscale. Results Two hundred and thirty‐one parents responded of which 93% had a preterm infant. Seventy‐three percent of infants were hospitalised for more than 1 month, and 34% were readmitted to hospital within the first year following discharge home. Eighty‐three percent of parents reported moderate, severe or extreme levels of anxiety or depression. Seventy‐six percent reported that having a child in hospital had a moderate‐very large financial impact on their family. Parents identified main costs to be travel, food, inability to work and direct medical costs. Conclusions Having an infant born preterm or sick has significant emotional and financial implications for families. The current Australian Government PPL scheme does not adequately support parents of preterm or sick infants, and a change is urgently needed to improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.

In Australia, approximately 18% of newborn babies are admitted to a neonatal intensive or special care nursery. While most babies admitted to a neonatal intensive or special care nursery are discharged home within a few weeks, around 6% of babies spend more than 2 weeks in hospital. For the parents of these babies, much of their leave entitlements (Australian Government Paid Parental Leave Scheme is up to18 weeks for the primary care giver and up to 2 weeks for partners) are used before their baby comes home from hospital. The time babies and parents spend together in the early developmental period, during the hospitalisation and when the baby is discharged home, is crucial for optimal child development and bonding. Yet care givers who have a baby admitted to neonatal intensive or special care for extended periods are not currently entitled to any extra parental leave payments in Australia. We recommend the Australian Paid Parental Leave Act is changed to allow primary carers access to 1 week of extra parental leave pay for every week in hospital (for babies admitted to hospital for more than 2 weeks), up to a maximum of 14 weeks. For fathers and partners of these babies, we recommend an additional 2 weeks of extra Dad and Partner Pay. The net cost, taking into account likely productivity benefits, would be less than 1.5% of the current cost of the scheme and would improve health and socio-economic outcomes for the baby, family and society.

AIM:To determine the relationship between early motor repertoire and 2-year neurodevelopment in infants born extremely preterm (<28 weeks' gestation) or extremely-low-birthweight (ELBW) (<1000g).METHOD:This was a geographical prospective cohort of 139 infants born extremely preterm/ELBW (mean gestational age 26.7 weeks, standard deviation [SD] 2.0, 68/139 [49%] male), with parent-recorded videos suitable for scoring the General Movements Assessment (GMA). Motor repertoire was assessed using the Motor Optimality Score-Revised (MOS-R), with and without the fidgety movement subsection, and the GMA alone at 12 to 13+6  weeks corrected age and 14 to 15+6  weeks corrected age. At 2 years corrected age, impaired development was defined as Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition motor and cognitive development scores 1SD or less relative to controls born at term; paediatricians diagnosed cerebral palsy (CP).RESULTS:Greater MOS-R scores at 14 to 15+6  weeks corrected age were associated with lower odds of CP (odds ratio [OR] per 1-point increase=0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.71-0.99), and motor (OR=0.93, 95% CI=0.87-0.99), or cognitive impairment (OR=0.94, 95% CI=0.88-0.99). Absent/abnormal GMA at 14 to 15+6 weeks was associated with CP and motor delay. There was little evidence that MOS-R scores at 12 to 13+6 weeks were associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years.INTERPRETATION:Poorer MOS-R scores and absent/abnormal GMA, scored from parent-recorded videos at 14 to 15+6  weeks gestational age, are associated with CP and developmental impairment in 2-year-old infants born extremely preterm/ELBW.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the efficacy of a clinician-supported, web-based intervention delivered over the first year after birth compared with standard care in children born after <34 weeks' gestation, on child development at 24 months corrected age (CA), parental mental health, and the parent-child relationship at 24 months. METHODS: We randomly allocated 103 preterm infants to clinician-supported, web-based intervention (n = 50) or standard care control (n = 53) groups. At 24 months CA, child cognitive, language, motor, social-emotional development, and the parent-child relationship were assessed. Parental mental health and quality of life were assessed at 12 and 24 months CA. RESULTS: At 24 months, child development, maternal mental health, and maternal quality of life were similar for the intervention and control groups. There was some evidence that mothers in the intervention group had lower odds of being in the elevated category for depression at 12 months (odds ratio: 0.19; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.04-0.90; P =.04). Scores were higher in the intervention group for child responsiveness (mean difference: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.03-1.11; P =.04), child involvement (mean difference: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.09-1.13; P =.02), and maternal structuring (mean difference: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.22-1.21; P =.01) during the parent-infant interaction at 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary evidence that a clinician-supported, web-based early intervention program for preterm infants had a positive effect on the parent-child relationship and maternal mental health immediately after the intervention but potentially little effect on child development.

BACKGROUND:Infants born extremely preterm (EP, <28-week gestational age) or extremely low birthweight (ELBW, <1000 g) are at risk of developmental delay and cerebral palsy (CP). The General Movements Assessment (GMA) and its extension, the Motor Optimality Score, revised (MOS-R) (assesses movement patterns and posture), may help to identify early delays.OBJECTIVES:To compare differences in the MOS-R scored from parent-recorded videos between infants born EP/ELBW and term-born infants, to determine relationships between the MOS-R and 2-year cognitive, language and motor outcomes and if any relationships differ between birth groups and the association of the GMA (fidgety) with CP.METHODS:A geographical cohort (EP/ELBW and term-control infants) was assessed using the MOS-R inclusive of the GMA at 3- to 4-month corrected age (CA), and the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd edition (Bayley-III) at 2-year CA. Differences in mean total MOS-R between groups, relationships between MOS-R and 2-year outcomes and relationships between GMA (fidgety) and CP in infants born EP/ELBW were estimated using linear/logistic regression.RESULTS:Three hundred and twelve infants (147 EP/ELBW; 165 term) had complete MOS-R and Bayley-III assessments. Mean MOS-R was lower in infants born EP/ELBW than controls (mean difference -3.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] -4.2, -2.3). MOS-R was positively related to cognitive (β [regression coefficient] = 0.71, 95% CI 0.27, 1.15), language (β = 0.96, 95% CI 0.38, 1.54) and motor outcomes (β = .89, 95% CI 0.45, 1.34). There was little evidence for interaction effects between birth groups for any outcome. Absent/abnormal fidgety movements were related to CP in children born EP/ELBW (risk ratio 5.91, 95% CI 1.48, 23.7).CONCLUSIONS:Infants born EP/ELBW have lower MOS-R than infants born at term. A higher MOS-R is related to better outcomes for 2-year development, with similar relationships in both birth groups. Absent/abnormal fidgety movements are related to CP in EP/ELBW survivors.

To determine the effectiveness of two instructional guides to obtain video recordings for the General Movements Assessment (GMA). A cross-sectional study of a community sample of family participants with low-risk term newborn infants recruited via social media and randomly allocated to receive one of two instructional guides (detailed or quick versions) to film their infant's movements at home. Participants returned videos via a secure Research Electronic Database Capture link and videos were scored for quality across 10 criteria, along with scoring the GMA. Participants were surveyed about their perceptions of the instructional guides and electronic file transmission. Seventy-six parents of infants were enrolled and randomly allocated to receive detailed ( n  = 38) and quick ( n  = 38) instructions to film their infant for a GMA. Videos were returned by 87% (95% confidence interval (CI) 72%, 96%) of detailed instruction users and 84% (95% CI 69%, 94%) of quick instruction users. The GMA could be conducted on all returned videos. The mean score for video quality was 9.9/10 (standard deviation 0.4, 95% CI 9.7, 10.0) for detailed instructions and 9.7 (standard deviation 0.6, 95% CI 9.4, 9.9) for quick instructions. Overall, participants felt that either instructional guide was easy to use. Fifteen (20%) participants had difficulties with video file transmission, requiring additional support. Parents can successfully use one of two different instructional guides for filming their infant's movements for GMA; however, support should be provided for safe and easy file transmission.

Objective Neonatal conditions can have lifelong implications for the health and well-being of children and families. Traditionally, parents and patients have not been included in shaping the agenda for research and yet they are profoundly affected by the neonatal experience and its consequences. This study aimed to identify consensus research priorities among parents/patients of newborn medicine in Australia and New Zealand. Design Parents/patients with experience of neonatal care in Australia and New Zealand completed an online Delphi study to identify research priorities across four epochs (neonatal admission, early childhood, childhood/adolescence and adulthood). Parents/patients first generated key challenges in each of these epochs. Through inductive thematic analysis, recurring topics were identified and research questions generated. Parents/patients rated these questions in terms of priorities and a list of questions consistently rated as high priority was identified. Participants 393 individuals participated, 388 parents whose children had received neonatal care and 5 adults who had received neonatal care themselves. Results Many research questions were identified as high-priority across the lifespan. These included how to best support parental mental health, relationships between parents and neonatal clinical staff (including involvement in care and communication), bonding and the parent–child relationship, improving neonatal medical care and addressing long-term impacts on child health and neurodevelopment. Conclusions Parents with experience of newborn medicine have strong, clear and recurring research priorities spanning neonatal care practices, psychological and other impacts on families, and impacts on child development. These findings should guide neonatal research efforts. In addition to generating new knowledge, improved translation of existing evidence to parents is also needed.

Background: Prechtl's general movements assessment (GMA) post-term has high predictive validity for cerebral palsy, but less is known about whether earlier GMA, including before term, are associated with other developmental problems. Aims: To examine the relationships between GMA prior to term and at term-equivalent, with developmental outcomes at 4.5-5 years' corrected age. Study design: Prospective cohort study. Subjects: 122 very preterm infants born < 30 weeks' gestation and 91 healthy term controls. Outcome measures: GMA (categorised as 'normal' or 'abnormal') were assessed at < 32, 32-33 and 34-36 weeks' postmenstrual age for the preterm infants, and at term-equivalent for both groups. Children were assessed at 4.5-5 years' corrected age using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2nd edition (MABC-2), Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), Lithe Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (Little DCD-Q) and Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-IV (WPPSI-IV). Results: Prior to term, abnormal GMA at the first two timepoints were associated with lower scores on the Lithe DCD-Q, and abnormal GMA at the second and third timepoints with lower quality of life scores and PEDI-CAT mobility domain scores. Abnormal GMA at term-equivalent were associated with lower MABC-2, mobility and quality of life scores for preterm infants, and worse social/cognitive domain scores for both groups. Conclusions: Abnormal GMA prior to term and at term-equivalent are associated with worse motor, functional and cognitive outcomes at 4.5-5 years' corrected age, and may be useful to identify infants for developmental surveillance/early intervention.

Background: An early intervention that enhances early development in infants born preterm, called 'Supporting Play, Exploration and Early Development Intervention' (SPEEDI) has been shown to be feasible in Virginia, United States, in a pilot study. Infants receive 10 therapy sessions until 3 months' corrected age (CA) (Phase 1[5 hospital sessions] and Phase 2[5 home-based sessions]) in addition to usual care. Aims: To determine the feasibility of SPEEDI for very preterm infants in an Australian context. Study design: Prospective pilot feasibility randomised controlled trial. Subjects: Infants born < 30 weeks' gestation (GA), recruited between 34 and 38+6 weeks' postmenstrual age. Outcome measures: Primary outcome was feasibility of SPEEDI, including recruitment rate, participant retention, sessions delivered, and therapy fidelity. Secondary outcome measures were developmental outcomes, including the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development - 3rd Edition (BSID-III) at 4 months' CA. Results: Of 19 eligible infants, 17 consented, SPEEDI n = 8 and usual care n = 9 (mean GA = 26.7 weeks [SD 1.4], male n = 10). All participants completed the study, with 80% of SPEEDI therapy sessions completed (90% Phase 1; 72% Phase 2). On average, therapists and parents used 78% and 77% of SPEEDI strategies in each session respectively. Infants in the SPEEDI group had higher scores on the BSID-III for gross motor, and expressive and receptive language subscales at 4 months' CA. Conclusions: SPEEDI is a feasible intervention to deliver, and preliminary results suggest that SPEEDI may lead to improved motor and language outcomes at 4 months' CA, with results supporting future larger clinical trials.

Infants born preterm are at higher risk of neurodevelopmental problems, including cerebral palsy (CP), compared with infants born at term. Early screening for neurodevelopmental conditions such as CP is crucial to commence early intervention, which can improve motor and cognitive outcomes, and reduce parents’ stress and anxiety.1, 2 The diagnostic category of ‘high risk of CP’ is now operational,3 with evidence suggesting that triangulating brain neuroimaging, general movements assessment and Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination results may reduce the age of diagnosis for CP amongst high-risk infants.4 The possibility of earlier diagnoses of CP is encouraged by families with children with established CP.5 However, clinicians should acknowledge that parent mental health can be at risk in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and support should be provided accordingly6; this extends to early neurodevelopmental screening with a family-centred approach. Dorner et al’s qualitative study provides insight from interviews with 19 parents within a US urban level III and level IV NICU about their perceptions and preferences for early neurodevelopmental screening. Dorner et al found that parents were mostly accepting of early neurodevelopmental screening, but required the right support (eg emotional preparation, medical expert consultation, social work presence) and information to be able to make an informed decision and cope with the potential state of their child's neurodevelopmental status. While most parents supported early neurodevelopmental screening for themselves, parents felt that other parents should have the right to refuse screening. Generally, parents felt that potential long-term gains from accessing early intervention as a result of early neurodevelopmental screening outweighed initial anxiety and stress during the screening process. Counselling support with respect to existing individual parent/family knowledge and experiences of disability significantly shaped participants’ expectations and concept of future disability. This study interviewed a sample of parents who were well-resourced, had high levels of education and were fluent in English, and only one infant in the sample had a major brain injury. While the study's transferability is limited, the findings provide important insight into the individual needs of parents of infants within the NICU who require neurodevelopmental screening. The nature of the questions avoided the specifics involved with the screening process, only identifying it as a hypothetical ‘non-invasive, non-painful test’. Identifying the specific process of screening to participants may have altered participant responses. Readers are encouraged to consult the interview questions (supplementary files) to gain the context of the responses analysed within Dorner et al’s study. Parent experiences of early neurodevelopmental screening in different geographical locations, cultural groups, sociodemographic status, infant risk groups and other time points within and beyond the journey through NICU are needed to extend Dorner et al’s findings. Dorner et al’s study highlights the sensitive nature of early neurodevelopmental screening and the depth of information and counselling required to individualise and adequately support and empower parents through the screening process. Finally, the study also emphasises the need to understand parents’ existing knowledge of and experience with disability and acknowledge parents’ day-to-day changes in emotions within the NICU setting. https://ebneo.org/2020/09/early-neurodevelopmental-screening/ The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Background: Fidgety general movements have high predictive validity for later cerebral palsy (CP) but their temporal organisation requires further understanding for assessment accuracy. Aims: To describe the occurrence of and temporal trends in fidgety movements, and whether they differ between infants born preterm and at term. Study design: Cohort study. Subjects: We assessed 155 EP/ELBW infants and 185 term-born infants born extremely preterm (EP; < 28 weeks' gestation) and/or extremely low birthweight (ELBW; < 1000 g birthweight) or at term (37-42 weeks' gestation) in the state of Victoria, Australia. Outcome measures: Parents of infants submitted up to two videos at 12-13(+6) and/or 14-16(+6) weeks' corrected age of infants' general movements. Videos were scored using the Prechtl General Movements Assessment (GMA) (fidgety) and classified as normal or absent/abnormal. Infants with at least one normal GMA were classified as normal. Individual GMA trajectories were analysed over time using logistic regression. Results: Overall, infants born EP/ELBW were more likely to have absent/abnormal fidgety movements than term-born infants (23% versus 3%, odds ratio [OR] 8.50 (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.48-20.8, p < 0.001). Fewer EP/ELBW and term-born infants showed absent/abnormal fidgety movements with each week of increasing age (EP/ELBW OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.25-0.84, p = 0.01; term-born OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.16-0.8, p = 0.01; interaction, p = 0.53). Conclusions: Absent/abnormal fidgety movements are more prevalent in infants born EP/ELBW than at term. Fidgety movements normalise with older age in both infants born EP/ELBW and at term between 12 and 16(+6) weeks' corrected age.

The Baby Moves smartphone application is designed for parents to video their infants' spontaneous movement for remote General Movements Assessment (GMA). We aimed to assess the engagement with Baby Moves amongst high‐ and low‐risk infants' families and the socio‐demographic variables related to engagement.