Parent-inclusive pediatric units: a survey of policies and practices.
A nation-wide survey of Parent-Inclusive Pediatric Units identified innovations and restrictions in policies and practices. Questionnaires mailed to Directors of Nursing Service at 84 general hospitals which encourage parental "living-in" indicated that parents are provided with a place to sleep but infrequently are offered additional facilities, services, and guidance necessary to optimize their presence on the Parent-Inclusive Pediatric Unit. Restrictions on parents remaining with their children are common during highly stressful procedures. Results indicate a gap between research on the importance of parental presence and current hospital practice.
D002673:Child, Hospitalized; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006757:Hospital Units / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006769:Hospitals, General; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D010290:Parents; D010372:Pediatrics; D014481:United States