Intervention Deploying an Autonomous Robot Promotes Eye Gaze Abilities of Autistic Children: Comparison With a Human-Based Intervention.

Effective neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) care relies on a collaborative relationship between informal caregivers (ICGs) and nursing staff. A shared understanding of neonatal illness and responsible participation empowers ICGs to engage, seek vital information and advocate for their newborns (Kim et al. ; O'Brien et al. ). Conversely, inadequate involvement can lead to diminished hope, parental dissatisfaction, increased complaints and a breakdown of trust (Palomaa et al. ; Hagen et al. ; Alle et al. ; Powers et al. ; Craig et al. ; Amiresmaili and Emrani ). Given the significant burdens ICGs face, nursing support is essential. Nurses provide vital information, emotional support and practical assistance (Hogan et al. ; Adama et al. ; Holm et al. ). However, ICGs perceive a nurse's caring attitude and tailored communication as preconditions for meaningful interaction and bonding with their baby (Guillaume et al. ). Furthermore, individual perspectives on both sides significantly influence engagement (Klawetter et al. ; Milford ). Consequently, systematic, theory‐based, nurse‐led interventions are needed to enhance ICG engagement and perceptions of support, ultimately optimizing high‐acuity neonatal care. Informal caregivers play a multidimensional role in neonatal nursing care, including providing mental support, offering consultation, participating in decision‐making and even taking on some caregiving tasks themselves (Amiresmaili and Emrani ; Koch et al. ). Studies conducted in the USA and Netherlands reported mothers spending around 80% of their time in the NICU engaged in care activities during the first week (Kamphorst et al. ; Gonya and Nelin ). A single Ethiopian study found that 70% of ICGs were not involved in decision‐making for critically ill neonates. However, the specific roles of ICGs in neonatal care and their overall level of engagement are unknown (Jemal ; Mengesha et al. ). Emotional and practical support is needed for ICG groups in the NICU (Maleki et al. ). Findings from Iran, Saudi Arabia and Nigeria suggest a moderate level of perceived support, with around 50% of ICGs rating it as fair. Additionally, these studies concluded that caregiving support received the highest rating, while emotional support received the lowest (Tajik et al. ; Magliyah and Razzak ; Ojewale et al. ). Consequently, ICGs experience challenges shaped by their perceptions of healthcare providers' expectations and a general lack of support. This often leads to role strain, conflict, overload and even caregiver exit from the NICU (Koch et al. ; Negarandeh et al. ). Difficulty accessing information and the resulting high stress and anxiety levels further contribute to the problem. Furthermore, many ICGs express dissatisfaction regarding the level of support they receive from nurses concerning their emotional well‐being and care. This decrease in perceived support is directly associated with increased stress and anxiety (Magliyah and Razzak ).