Table 6 Themes and sub-themes identified by the thematic analysis of interviews with parents of infants who took part in the study

Decision to take part

Proximal:

Contact by known gatekeeper (consultant or charity);

Sense of gratitude towards the gatekeeper;

Clarity of communication by research team.

Distal:

Desire to help other families and preterm babies;

Interest in infants’ cognitive development.

Facilitators

Extrinsic:

Staff being flexible and approachable;

Regular reminders from staff;

Manageable schedule;

Sessions conducted at home;

Intrinsic:

Assessing baby’s progress;

Baby enjoying the tasks

Obstacles

Fitting lab visits with baby’s routines, as well as other practical challenges (e.g. arranging siblings’ child care; work patterns).

Baby’s sleep patterns and moods;

Maintaining infants’ concentration

Improvements

Provision of exercise before long sitting sessions;

Provide meals or refreshments;

Minimise concerns about potential for infections.

More specific information about duration of training tasks.