title: The value of a family-centered approach in the NICU and PICU: one family's perspective.
abstract: A family-centered approach in the NICU and PICU can make a tremendous difference to parents, providing the basis for systematic support. One family's story of a high-risk twin pregnancy, long hospitalizations, and ultimately the deaths of both daughters illustrates the kind of support system that families need. Positive examples from their experiences show the value of a family-centered approach, while negative examples show how difficult the intensive care environment can be for parents when family-centered care is missing. Parents and staff working together in partnership can improve the intensive care experience for all involved.
authors.affiliation: Partners in Intensive Care, Bethesda, MD 20824-1043, USA.
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Sweeney
mesh_terms: D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D008297:Male; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011247:Pregnancy; D018566:Pregnancy, High-Risk / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D014427:Twins